On Fotography & Heritage: Douglas So

Founder and Director of F11 Foto Museum and f22 Foto Space, Douglas So Cheung-tak, is arguably the most esteemed Leica camera and magnum photography collector in Hong Kong. First Edition had the pleasure to truly get to know and “geek out” on a vast range of topics with Douglas, namely history, archaeology, photography, the art of collecting cameras and the many challenges encountered when managing a private museum in Hong Kong.

Throughout the discussion, we discovered Douglas’ inspiration to launch F11 Foto Museum in 2014, Hong Kong’s first ever private photography-specific museum inside a 1930’s art-deco style building in Happy Valley, was driven by his passion for magnum photography, heritage conservation and relentless pursuit to acquire rare vintage cameras around the world. Douglas’ awareness to promote photography to a wider community is also reflected in the subsequent launch of f22 foto space in Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui, galleries specialising in photo art and creative design.

For more than two decades, Douglas has worked as a solicitor at Baker McKenzie and The Hong Kong Jockey Club. With a keen interest to serve the community, he has been recognised for contributing, in many ways, to Hong Kong’s arts and cultural sector. He is currently chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board and is an active member of the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation and the Museum Advisory Committee. Tune in and don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about Douglas’ exciting career, fascinating encounters with world-class photographers, vintage camera collection, the future development of private museums and heritage conservation in Hong Kong!