Photographs of Tibet's history, religion and culture and the consequences of Chinese rule go on display next month.

Tibet's Forgotten World will take place at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington Gore, south-west London, on May 22.

The free event aims to show Tibet's rich culture, architecture, Buddhist religion and its various traditions, including festivals and opera.

A statement from exhibition organisers said: "Today, one of the richest and little-known cultures in the world is trying desperately to preserve its cultural heritage and its ethnic survival...

"The tone of the exhibition is optimistic and positive, due to the indomitable faith of its people and their determination to preserve their
unique spiritual and cultural heritage."

The photographs were taken by John Miles during two visits to Tibet.

Previously exhibited at the Cambridge Union, the collection has been expanded, including historical photographs donated by the Royal Geographical Society.

One of the largest private collections of Tibetan coins, notes and stamps representing a time in Tibet's history when the country was self-governed
with its own postal and monetary systems will also be on show, organisers said.

The exhibition also coincides with a visit by the Dalai Lama's to London for a lecture at the Royal Albert Hall called Universal Responsibility in
the Modern World.