About John Papillon
Lived 1838 – 1891 (aged 52–53). John Papillon was a British photographer and war photographer.
John Ashton Papillon (1838–1891) was a British photographer and Royal Engineer who was commissioned to accompany and photographically document the Anglo-French military invasion to northern China during the Second Opium War in 1860. Papillon produced images taken from between Canton and the Taku Forts but became ill and was evacuated on 29 September 1860 before completing his mission.
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Important facts
People in John Papillon's life
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Frequently asked questions
Who was John Papillon?
British photographer (1838–1891)
When was John Papillon born?
John Papillon was born in 1838.
When did John Papillon die?
John Papillon died in 1891.
What was John Papillon's occupation?
John Papillon was a photographer and war photographer.
What nationality was John Papillon?
John Papillon was British.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Papillon. https://biography.guide/john-papillon/
MLA: "John Papillon." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-papillon/.
Chicago: "John Papillon." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-papillon/.
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