The Arts Society West Wales: Tea, Opium and Hong Kong

Lecture starts at 11am

Fine tea has long been prized in China: according to Lu Yu in c.780, it should ‘unfold like mist rising out of a ravine’. By 1750 tea was China’s principal export to Britain, valued as a remedy for indigestion, amnesia and excess of alcohol. But what would China accept in return? Only opium - from the British-owned poppy fields of India - found a ready market in China. Following the ‘Opium War’ of 1839-42, Hong Kong was ceded to Britain. Blending Chinese and Western elements, Hong Kong developed in dramatic fashion. The story is illustrated with vivid paintings by Chinese and Western artists.

1970-71 Teacher at Marlborough College. 1975-86 Keeper of Fine Art at the Royal Pavilion, Art Gallery & Museums, Brighton. Since 1986 Director of the Martyn Gregory Gallery, London. Author of several books including Savage Ruskin, Oriental Architecture in the West and George Chinnery, artist of India and the China Coast.

For more infoamtion please contact – 01646 636541 or email rosemary.arts.society@gmail.com

The 2023/2024 Programme is now available on The Arts Society West Wales's website HERE