Events & Classes > Collins Gallery > Capturing China, 1913-1929: Photographs, Films, and Letters of American Diplomat John Van Antwerp MacMurray
Capturing China, 1913-1929: Photographs, Films, and Letters of American Diplomat John Van Antwerp MacMurray
Location, time
- Collins Gallery
- 3rd Floor, Central Library
- 801 S.W. 10th Avenue
- Portland, OR
- February 19–April 2, 2010
- Monday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
- Thursday–Saturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Sunday: noon–5 p.m.
About the exhibit
After over 2,000 years of Imperial rule and the fall of the Qing dynasty, China became a Republic in 1911. This was followed by the Warlord years, of which little has been reported. As American Minister to China during this time, John Van Antwerp MacMurray was an inside player in a pivotal position of great responsibility during the turmoil of China’s change from ancient empire to modern state.
Drawing from more than 1,600 photographs taken by MacMurray in rural China between 1913 and 1917 and the letters and artifacts of his official life in China archived at the Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library at Princeton University, this exhibit provides a unique look at this period of China’s history.
The photos express MacMurray's deep affection for and interest in China. Many are at once works of art as well as portraits of the country as it neared the end of an empire. They include portraits of diplomats, Chinese officials and warlords; scenes of Peking's (Beijing's) gates, walls, Forbidden City, Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven; and images of villages, peasants farming and countryside temples in the Western Hills.
Related event
Opening Reception
- Tuesday, February 23, 5:30–7 p.m.
Mrs. Lois Starkey, daughter of John Van Antwerp MacMurray, will give a short talk about her experiences of living in China during her father’s tenure.
This exhibit is made possible by Princeton University’s Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library, the MacMurray and Starkey families, TsaiComms LLC and Northwest China Council.
