The Potala from the east, showing the round-walled watchtower, Taktshang Gormo, Lhasa, Tibet, 10th February...

British Diplomatic Mission to Lhasa 1936-37 The Potala Palace was, until the 1959 Tibetan uprising, the chief residence of the Dalai Lama. Inscribed on reverse, 'The Potala from the East. Nomads performing holy walk'. The image has also been manipulated. A matte grey substance has been used to colour the sky, which has the effect of highlighting the Potala and the foreground and making it stand out from the upper portions of the image. The Potala Palace showing the Taktshang Gormo watch tower on its eastern side. A group of Tibetans (including monks) can be seen walking away from Lhasa. They may have completed the route of the Lingkhor (sacred walk) around the city in order to gain merit and the chance of a better rebirth. Lhasa was a site of pilgrimage for people from all over Tibet. Due to its height the Potala dominates the landscape of the Lhasa valley serving a visual as well as a spiritual focus for the city. Western visitors also succumbed to this awe inspiring sight.