Platé Limited.

Platé is a photo-studio, and that's what it looks like from the outside. Step inside though, and you're transported back in time, to a place of warm teak walls, old books, framed paintings and antiques from different parts of the island and the world. It's a treasure trove for any photographer or history buff.

Watch our video about it:

The studio was set up about 126 years ago, by a French man (Platé) and a German lady. In the 1940s, Sri Lankan Arthur Fonseka entered the fold, and then took over the studio with his family, as Independence from British rule inspired the foreigners to leave the country. We were told by Fonseka's daughter Ms. Shamalica who runs the place now with her siblings that the Platé building as it is today used to be her family home, and that she and her siblings were born there. 

They do an amazing job when it comes to framing photographs and pictures – they do have a century's experience. Fonseka's children themselves attend to your case over the counter. You can also enter their movie-like set and have your photo taken, whether it's a mugshot you want or a wedding shoot, or get your old photographs restored. Spanning four floors, you get high quality imported art supplies for sale here, crystalwear, a range of beautiful paintings (some by celebrities like George Keats, Senaka Senanayake, Lucky Senanayake, Ivan Pieris), statues and masks from China and other places, collectible items like tiny car models and old-school telephones and video recorders, and an impressive archive of photographs of Sri Lanka's past, from its people to its buildings.

Shamalica calls the archive "the largest record of Sri Lankan sites and people". There is also a library of books freshly bound and stacked in rows above you on the ground floor, inaccessible to the average visitor but a comforting sight to any bookworm. In fact the entire place gives off that nostalgia inducing, happy fragrance of old books. 

The building is wonderfully well maintained and is a museum of wonders if you're the curious type with a love of history and old things. 

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Across Borders: A Culinary Bridge Between India and Sri Lanka Through Peshawri’s Timeless Flavors

By Vimasha Vishvadari Peshawri, a renowned restaurant chain, originated from the iconic Bukhara restaurant in

Highlights Kamu

Tenkū – a hidden Gem of the Japanese Cuisine

By Vimasha Weerawansha Ambience  The Kingsbury Rooftop offers a breathtaking panorama of the cityscape and

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Kamikura: A Journey into Authentic Japanese Cuisine

dBy Sharon Nonis Welcome to Kamikura, where the essence of Japanese cuisine meets the heart

Kamu

Full’R Burgers is Flipping into Maharagama

by Vimasha Vishvadari If you're on the lookout for the ideal burger spot in the

Kamu

Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Top Chinese Dining at ITC Ratnadipa Blends Tradition with Modern Flair

By Poornima Bandara Yi Jing Unveiled: Sri Lanka’s Premier Chinese Dining Experience at ITC Ratnadipa

Highlights Kamu

Seafood Watti Rice: A Flavorful Feast from Fathi’s Spice Attic

Watti Rice is a delightful Sri Lankan dish that combines various meats, such as seafood

Highlights Kamu

Trending.

Mount Lavinia Hotel Hosts Traditional Tree Lighting Ceremony, Welcomes the Christmas Season with Festivities and Special Offerings

Mount Lavinia Hotel welcomed the festive season in grand style with its traditional Annual Tree

Trending

From Dusk Till Dawn: The Visionary Behind Sri Lanka’s nightlife revolution

By Vimasha Weerawansha  If you’re into nightlife and crave bold, unforgettable flavors, Sheran de Fonseka’s

Highlights Trending

Shangri-La Colombo Ushers in the Festive Season with a Spectacular Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

The festive spirit came alive at Shangri-La Colombo as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Christmas

Trending

Discover Global Tastes: A Flavorful Adventure at The Kingsbury Buffet

By Sharon Nonis The Kingsbury Colombo offers one of the finest buffet experiences in the

Trending

Authentic Fusion Paella at Ocean

From November 5th to 30th, Ocean at The Kingsbury, invites guests to enjoy an authentic

Trending

Radisson Hotel Kandy Achieves Safehotels Certification

Radisson Hotel Kandy joins Radisson Blu Resort Galle and Radisson Hotel Colombo in proudly achieving

Trending

Yamu Guide.

9 Unisex Gift Ideas for Your Friends

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Finding the perfect gift for your friends can be a delightful

Highlights Trending Yamu Guide

9 Must-Read Self-Help Books for Personal Growth

By Jordain De Mel In recent years, people have turned to self-help books to serve

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top Restaurants with the best Cashback offers from Mintpay

With Mintpay, have a gastronomic journey and earn cashback rewards as you go! Every taste

Highlights Yamu Guide

10 Places To Celebrate Father’s Day 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya, Father’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to honoring fathers and celebrating

Highlights Yamu Guide

Top 10 Places to Work or Study in Colombo in 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Hey there! Feeling the walls closing in at home while you work

Highlights Yamu Guide