Portraits of the Kolar Goldfield, India: John Taylor and Sons’ ’Little England’ 1880 to 1956

The Kolar Goldfield (KGF), India was once one of the biggest gold producers in the world, with mines that rivalled those of South Africa. The majority of the mines were managed by the London based firm of John Taylor and Sons over four generations of the family, from 1880 until the mines were nationalised in 1956. British involvement in all aspects of the mining was such that the area became known as ’Little England.’

The author visited the area in March 2024 and March 2025, having made contact with Dr. Srikumar, a noted author, and an authority on the mining history of the area. They met at the KGF Club and were soon in deep discussion about the mining history of the area. The important collection of portraits of mine officials at the KGF Club were of particular interest. The portraits are a unique collection and many members of the Taylor family are represented. The rest of the time was spent visiting some of the more significant mining remains in the area. The headframes on some of the deeper shafts are still dominant features of the mining landscape, like Edgar’s shaft. The visit in March 2025 was more extensive and enabled the author to visit numerous sites.

This book includes the collection of portraits at the KGF Club. It also examines the early history of the goldfield and the involvement of John Taylor and Sons.