Chinese and British

Fascinating exhibition at the British Library looking at what it means to be Chinese and British and the history of Chinese people here.

It started with the first recorded Chinese person to visit Britain, Shen Fuzong in 1687, who met James II. I was delighted to find he worked with a librarian at the Bodleian Library to catalogue Chinese books. I was also intrigued by Tan-Che-Qua, a sculptor, who appears in a group portrait of Royal Academicians.

Most touching was the 20th century section which included lots of items lent by families including this dolls house of a Chinese restaurant and a sailor’s duffle bag. As my family came from Liverpool, I was fascinated to find the Chinese population grew in the Second World War and their businesses thrived despite the Blitz. My parents had never mentioned that. 

Closes 23 April 2023


 

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