ENG-1959 — Page 357

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HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

position for the Arts in Hong Kong, a place which has, too often in the past (and somewhat unfairly), been described as a cultural desert.

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GOVERNMENT COLLECTIONS

During 1959 the Government continued to add to its collection of pictures illustrating life in Hong Kong, Macau and the China Coast area during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, although at a reduced rate. It seems probable that there will be a continuing decline in this activity as the collection becomes more compre- hensive.

One important oil painting by George Chinnery, depicting members of a well-known Macau family of the late nineteenth century, and a number of prints of incidents closely connected with the Colony's early years were purchased.

The Ho Tung Collection of eighty four paintings was exhibited in St. John's Cathedral Hall from 21st to 31st January 1959, and attracted considerable interest. Over 13,000 visitors were recorded during the course of the exhibition which was the subject of a broadcast by Radio Hong Kong as well as being prominently featured in the Colony's press. The collection, which is now in storage, will eventually be displayed in the City Hall.

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The Government is advised on the purchase of modern paintings by a committee set up in 1958. Three pictures of local interest were acquired on the Committee's advice and a further important acquisition was a portrait of Sir Alexander Grantham, Governor of the Colony from 1947 to 1957. This portrait was commis- sioned at the suggestion of the Committee to commemorate Sir Alexander's long and successful term of office. It was painted by James Gunn, R.A. and was exhibited at the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition before being shipped to Hong Kong. The picture was exhibited in Hong Kong during December 1959 and will be hung in Government House until it can be transferred to its permanent home in the City Hall.

No further purchases of rare books were made for the City Hall Library and with the appointment of a City Hall Librarian in October 1959, this aspect of the Government collections will now become part of the process of establishing a comprehensive Library.