In 1933, Chiang Yee left his family and civil service career in Nanjing to seek his fortune in England. Despite arriving in London with very little English, he soon found a position teaching English at the University of London and within a few years had begun writing a popular series of travel guides, called The Silent Traveller.
The twelve Silent Traveller books present a fresh look at well-worn tourist destinations in Britain, France, and America. Familiar attractions are described through new eyes, bringing attention to features that Westerners might have overlooked. A skilled painter in the Chinese literati style, Chiang Yee illustrated all of his own books.
This exhibition presents the work of Chiang Yee, including both works published in the Silent Traveller books, as well as paintings produced separately.