Hong Kong Pavilion at the British Empire Exhibition 1924
Hong Kong Pavilion, Empire Exhibition 1924
The extract below brings the 'Hong Kong' pavilion at the British Empire Exhibition 1924 to life:
On 14 May 1924, King George V and Queen Mary, together with King and Queen of Rumania, visited Wembley Park including the Hong Kong Section.
Edwin Hallifax conducted them to the Chinese restaurant, presented with the orchestra (i.e. possibly performed by the musicians coming from Hong Kong).
Robert Hotung showcased the process of silk spinning.
Hawera & Normanby Star recorded the visits of the kings and queens in detail:
In the street of Hong Kong the King of Rumania saw an earthenware pot and was curious to know what it contained. He was told that it was ginger, and immediately afterwards a sample was offered to him. He tasted it, and immediately let it be known that he liked it immensely. I like it so much,” he said, “that I would like to have a pot.”
King Ferdinand turned round to acquaint the other members of the Royal party of his discovery, but found they had gone on. He hurried to them, and they returned, and the incident ended in each member of the party, ordering a jar of ginger.
The Royal party walked through the famous Chinese restaurant, where music in the original tempo of the celestial country was being dispensed, and watched the silk spinners at work in a shop near by.
Souvenirs of the visit, in the shape of a silk shawl for Queen Marie, a jade pendant for the Queen, and a model in silver of a temple and a sampan for King George and King Ferdinand were graciously accepted.
Queen Mary purchased two porcelain figures at Wun Man and a silver pagoda at Wang Hing.
Queen Mary tried lychees and found them excellent.
The Queen of Rumania appreciated the beautifully arranged restaurant.
King George V said that the Hong Kong Section reminded his visit to Hong Kong as the Duke of York.
In 1925, Queen Mary visited the Hong Kong Section several times.”
Click for more images from 1924, from page 50 onwards, in this document:
https://www.lordwilson-heritagetrust.org.hk/filemanager/archive/project_doc/27-9-107/2.pdf
Watch to find out more…
Below: the YouTube video of the “Lost Chinatown under Wembley Stadium” by Bygone China tells the story of the Hong Kong Pavilion at the British Empire Exhibition of 1924 and shows all that remains of it today. Leeds University lecturer Gary Wong shares more about this particular time in history here in his presentation of research for the Australian Centre on China in the World.