February is a somber time for aficionados of Philippine history and photography with the passing of renowned archivist John Tewell.
Tewell succumbed to heart complications on February 11, 2025. He was 81.
A former pilot, Tewell retired in 2007 and relocated to the Philippines, where he developed a deep passion for the country’s visual history. His journey as an archivist began unexpectedly with a chance purchase at an antique store in Ermita, Manila. There, he came across portraits of ordinary Filipinos from the 1930s, igniting a lifelong dedication to collecting and preserving historical images.
In 2009, he launched his Flickr account, where he uploaded over 12,000 digitized photographs from the 19th to the 21st centuries. His collection features rare and historically significant images, including scenes from the Liberation of Manila during World War II, portraits of prominent figures, and depictions of everyday life in the Philippines.
Tewell was so committed to his mission that he once purchased a vintage photograph of the iconic Jones Bridge for PHP 20,000. He meticulously digitized each photo and made them freely accessible to the public.
His contributions to historical preservation were widely recognized by cultural institutions. The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said that “Tewell will forever be remembered by a grateful Filipino nation whenever his photographs are seen in our history museums and beyond.”
An excerpt from the National Museum of the Philippines said, “John’s collection also features several images during and after World War II, including photos of the ruins of the Old Legislative Building.
“These images were instrumental in visualizing the vibrant history of the National Museum of the Philippines.”
Renacimiento Manila, a heritage conservation group, paid homage to Tewell, calling him a “Friend of the Filipino People,” and emphasized that his collection has affected “a multitude of people… gifting them with a glimpse of their past by democratizing access to thousands of archival photographs.”
Despite facing personal challenges, including health issues in his later years, Tewell remained steadfast in his mission. His legacy lives on through his freely available digital archive, ensuring that future generations can continue to access and learn from his work.
John Tewell is survived by his Filipina wife, Dolores. Although the future of his physical collection remains uncertain, his impact on Philippine historical preservation is undeniable.
