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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Thank you for mentioning Chiang Yee (real name Chiang Chung -ya) who was a remarkable writer, artist and poet. His other books on Oxford, The Lake District, Dublin, etc, are equally wonderful !
Peter McGee
What a talented artist. As an outsider, he distilled the London experience.
Ah! These pictures are at once delightful and refreshing! (From 1938?!) Pictures of the familiar but from a talented “outsider’s” point of view. Thank you for bringing them to our attention.
A diverse and beautiful set of illustrations. The first definitely looks as if it depicts a classic oriental scene. Others seem to be typical of London character portraits. A very talented artist to portray such different styles.
Wonderfully silent and fitting impressions of English sensitivities. The “coronation scene” in the subway could well have been in 1937.
Love & Peace
ACHIM
How beautiful these pictures are. GA, you inspired me to look for a copy of this book and I found one for a good price. I also found his book about Oxford. So, now I am patiently waiting for my postman to bring them to me.