Tracing back the origins, exploits and stories of this community, who can trace their heritage to regions across East and Southeast Asia, in the UK, this new exhibition draws on the national significance of what it means to be Chinese and British. In addition, it celebrates the lasting impact of Chinese people on the UK, from wartime service and contributions to popular cuisines to achievements in art, literature, sport, music, fashion, and film.

The exhibition presents personal artefacts from Chinese British communities alongside books, manuscripts, and maps from the British Library’s collection. Some of the highlights included: a map from 1880 of such communities in London around the docks of East-End London. As Britain traded heavily with the Chinese, it was common in the 17th century for Chinese people and sailors to settle around the docks of Limehouse and set up businesses in the area.

Central to the exhibition was the Chinese efforts in WWI & WWII. In WWI Chinese Labour Corps helped to build the trenches in northern France and in WWII many were deployed as seamen and often working on ships as caterers. The exhibition highlighted these efforts through trench art and personal memoirs. Importantly, the British Library also showcased the forced repatriation of Chinese sailors, many of whom were unexpectedly deported after WWII. This was largely unknown until revealed in 2022 in a British Home Office internal investigation report on the incident, which acknowledged the degree of coercion and racial factors behind the repatriation operation.

Moreover, one focal point of the exhibit was the challenges for finding jobs as Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century. Many arrivals found work in various industries such as merchant shipping, laundries, and later in catering, restaurants, and takeaway stores. Indeed, many British Chinese people have excelled in careers such as science, medicine, law, and politics and have significantly contributed to the arts and culture in the UK. Through writing, fashion, music, and film, people of Chinese descent in the UK are continuing to explore the intersection between their different cultures – often developing a unique perspective that incorporates both Chinese and British identities.  

The Chinese and British exhibit is a must for anyone interested in bridging the cultural gap between the East and West. For example, for UK consumer brands, or for any company considering selling to Chinese clients, it gives a valuable and important insights into how to better connect with the global Chinese diaspora.

“Chinese diaspora in the UK has always been an important target for UK consumer brands in their China marketing campaigns but this is even more vital now that Chinese tourists are not able to travel abroad at the levels they used to before the pandemic. The UK Chinese community is both a key consumer audience as well as an ambassador for Brand Britain. Understanding its history, origins and target groups is a key part of any China cultural literacy brands should own.” – Antoaneta Becker, Director of Consumer Economy at the CBBC.      

Currently, there are over 400,000 Chinese residents in the UK which makes it ever more important to engage with this dynamic community. The exhibition runs until April 2023, and we strongly encourage people to drop by. The British Library is right next to St Pancras Station, entrance is free, and the exhibit is presented in both English and Chinese. China has played a key role as a contributor to UK society and such an exhibition provides an opportunity to further understand and appreciate Chinese and British communities.

Attend & find out more here