The Silent Traveller
When I encountered the work of Chiang Yee (1903-77) writing as ‘The Silent Traveller’ I knew I had discovered a kindred spirit in self-effacement. These fine illustrations are from his book ‘The Silent Traveller in London’ published in 1938 and I am fascinated by his distinctive vision which renders familiar subjects anew.
‘This book is to be a sort of record of all the things I have talked over to myself during these five years in London, where I have been so silent,’ he wrote, ‘I am bound to look at things from a different angle, but I have never agreed with people who hold that the various nationalities differ greatly from each other. They may be different superficially, but they eat, drink, sleep, dress, and shelter themselves from the wind and rain in the same way.’
Summer afternoon in Kew Gardens
Morning mist in St James’s Park
Snow on Hampstead Heath
Early Autumn in Kenwood
Fog in Trafalgar Sq
Coalman in the rain
Umbrellas Under Big Ben
Deer in Richmond Park
Seagulls in Regent’s Park
At the Whitechapel Gallery
London faces in a public bar
London faces in winter
Coronation night in the Underground
Jubilee night in Trafalgar Sq
London faces at a Punch & Judy show
Images copyright © Estate of Chiang Yee
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Thanks for publishing these. They are incredible.
What wonderful drawings. They do look “oriental” .I think its the trees . They are so reminiscent of the wonderful art of China. Absolutely lovely .Thanks for sharing .
Absolutely beautiful!
I especially love the stylised trees – who knew London trees could look so oriental? And the foggy scene of Trafalgar Square is brilliantly rendered.
I also love the humorous pictures of Londoners, especially the winter scene (let’s hope they have all just got colds, not something more serious…)
Love the drawings and the concept. Ordered a copy of the book.
You’re totally right, Chiang Yee shows familiar subjects from a different perspective, but as he himself said, we are not that different no matter where we were born. Wonderful pictures. Thank you for reminding me about Chiang Yee, I had forgotten him.
More unknown treasure. Thank you.
Oh they are SO beautiful and evocative. The fog, the mists. The deer in Richmond Park and the umbrellas. I love them immensely, thanks GA
Yes exquisite but also humorous
The umbrellas of course v apposite
Love the Whitechapel gallery art viewer been there done that!!
RD
These paintings are so lovely. I must try and get hold of the book. Thank you
Greetings from Boston,
GA, what charming l illustrations in Chiang Yee’s THE SILENT TRAVELLER. Such a careful observer of nature in public parks and of people in public life.
Particularly enjoyed “Coronation night in the Underground” and “Jubilee night in Trafalgar Sq.” Absolutely delightful! Gracias…
This is a wonderful book. I bought my copy many years ago and re-read it often. It evokes fond memories of London also time spent in China. I appreciate Chiang Yee’s balanced style of writing, his beautiful drawings, a book I will always treasure.
Thank you
On seeing these illustrations one word instantly came to my mind. Unique
Exquisite ink drawings. Fog in Trafalgar Square is especially beautiful. Thank you, thank you!
Enchanting. Delicate, evocative, a new perspective. Thank you, GA.
It’s always wonderful to be reminded of Chiang Yee. He wrote similar and equally lovely books about San Francisco, Edinburgh, Japan and Oxford, among other places. All worth seeking out.
I Love these Paintings and hope I can she more. Thank You So Very Much!!????????
How lovely to see these! I grew up with my parent’s copies of the Silent Traveller books, and used to love reading them, for their gentle humour and insights, and the beautiful illustrations, in which scenes looked both familiar and mysterious. They were the first Chinese art I ever saw.
I have always wondered who Chiang Yee was, and why his books and his art seem to have been almost forgotten.
What amazingly beautiful drawings. I confess I have not previously heard of Chiang Yee. I feel inspired just looking at them here. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing! these are amazing and love them all, reminds me of my previous life living in London 🙂
I have a complete collection of then silent traveller series, would not be without them