A Book for Bhutan
About the Book
PUBLISHER
The book concept has been provisionally acquired by Rizzoli Publications – international leaders in printing coffee table books, and collections of art, photography and design.
ORGANIZATION
The book will be organized chronologically into 4-6 chapters, each featuring an artist/photographer who documented Bhutan’s iconic sites. The final chapter will look towards Bhutan’s future, featuring the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
CONTENT
200 high-definition color and black-and-white images, accompanied by 60 typescript pages.
Our Team
EDITORS
Dr. Tandi Dorji, former Minister of Foreign Affairs (2018-2024) and member of the National Assembly of Bhutan. Before entering politics, Dr. Dorji was a pediatrician, public health researcher and a technical advisor. He is a founding member and former president of the Druk Nyamrup Tshogpa. Dr. Dorji will write the book’s introduction.
Tshering Dorji is a postgraduate student in the United Kingdom currently writing his dissertation on changes in the ecology of Bhutan over time. Mr. Dorji will write the book’s afterword.
PHOTOGRAPHY
John Wehrheim is an award-winning photographer, writer and filmmaker based in Hawaii. He has been documenting Bhutan since 1991, and has published the book Bhutan: Hidden Lands of Happiness (Serindia Publications) as well as the documentary film Bhutan: Taking the Middle Path to Happiness, which won two 2009/2010 Emmy Awards.
PUBLISHING
Shane Suvikapakornkul is owner and director of Serindia Publications and Hardcover: The Art Book Shop. Shane also serves as an acquisition editor for Rizzoli International Publications.
TSHERING DORJI
EDITOR, ARCHIVAL RESEARCH
DR. TANDI DORJI
EDITOR, STRATEGIC DIRECTION
JOHN WEHRHEIM
PHOTOGRAPHY, PRODUCTION
SHANE SUVIKAPAKORNKUL
ACQUISITION EDITOR
FAQ
WHAT IS THE PROJECT TIMELINE?
We are aiming to finish content production in 2026, which includes archival research and scanning, and John Wehrheim’s travel to Bhutan to photograph the corresponding “Now” images. Rizzoli Books’ proposed production timeline is approximately 6 months from receipt of final content.
IS THIS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT OR A COMMERCIAL PROJECT?
This is a mission-driven project led by a voluntary team of passionate individuals who want to see the book and its story brought to a wider audience. Some of our work needs to be remunerated, such as travel, photography, scanning and graphic design services, but the vast majority of our time in planning, administration and outreach is voluntary.
Our fundraising priority is to cover these production costs and, if necessary, book printing. In order to receive charitable donations, we are working to establish an administrative relationship with a foundation in the UK who can receive tax-deductible contributions and ensure due diligence in use of funds.
WHO WILL PUBLISH THE BOOK?
Rizzoli Books, an international leader in art and coffee table publications, has formally expressed interest in the project and proposed an initial agreement to take it on. However they ask that we raise approximately €100,000 in matching “sponsorship” funds to cover a portion of their investment. If we are unable to meet their sponsorship cost, we will approach other publishers of comparable quality.
HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PROJECT?
Our most urgent need is financial donations to cover one or more of our principal costs at the moment, as outlined below:
- Travel and potentially equipment rental for John Wehrheim to Bhutan (approximately 2.5 months)
- Archival research time and scanning fees
- Professional photo restoration and image processing
- Graphic design and text editing
ONCE PUBLISHED, WHO IS THE PRINCIPAL AUDIENCE FOR THE BOOK?
Rizzoli Books has indicated it would market the book internationally (Americas, Europe and Asia). We want to ensure that all major institutions in Bhutan, including libraries, schools, universities and government offices, receive a complimentary copy. Bhutan embassies and United Nations missions would also receive complimentary copies.
Ideally, once published, we would like to organize a book tour across Bhutan and elsewhere (by demand or among relevant partner countries such as India, the UK, and Australia), where we are able to present the principal message of the book and engage communities in dialogue about its core themes. A traveling exhibit of the then and now photos would be an elegant accompaniment to such a tour.