The Artistic Legacy Of William Pretyman
An agent of the British administration
William Pretyman served as a political agent for British North Borneo (now Sabah) and became the first British resident of Tempasuk (now Kota Belud) from 1878 to 1880. His arrival marked a significant change in the governance of the region.
Prior to British control, Tempasuk had been ruled by local chiefs who faced conflict and instability, especially under the influence of the Sulu and Brunei sultanates. Pretyman's administration helped to restore order in the area by facilitating peace among local communities, including the Bajau, Dusun and Irranun tribes.
His administration included the establishment of a public court for local disputes and the creation of a barter system to promote economic activity. He also initiated the first police force in Sabah, known as the "Buffalo Police Squad", to maintain security.
The artist behind the political figure
In addition to his political contributions, Pretyman was a talented artist known for his scenic pencil sketches and watercolours that beautifully captured the essence of North Borneo. His artistic legacy provides valuable insights into the landscapes and culture of the region in the late 19th century.
We invite you to attend the upcoming lecture on 'The Artistic Legacy of William Pretyman' to learn more about his life and the impact of his artistic works. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intersection of politics and art in shaping the history of Kota Belud!
Speaker: Shari Jeffri
Head of Information & Publicity Bureau, Malaysia Historical Association.
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About the Sabah Society
The Sabah Society is a non-governmental/non-profit organisation founded in 1960 by a group of enthusiasts who wished to record and preserve interesting and important aspects of Sabah's history, culture and natural history.
Organiser of this event
How to get to this event?
The Sabah Society
No. 46, Lot 34, 1st Floor, Damai Plaza Phase 4, Luyang, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.