This exhibition features approximately one hundred photographs, all of which are from the collection of Mr. Cheng Po Hung, a renowned expert on Hong Kong history. Viewers can reminisce about the old Hong Kong through these photographs and have a better understanding of the development of Hong Kong brothels from the 1850s to 1960s.
Early Hong Kong Brothels
The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong will host
an exhibition, Early Hong Kong Brothels, from 26 November 2003 to 29
February 2004.
Hong Kong brothels have a long history. In the mid-19th century, the
earliest brothels were established in and around Lyndhurst Terrace where
western prostitutes concentrated. Chinese brothels which were known as 'Tai
Ping Shan Brothels' were found around the Tai Ping Shan area near Po Hing
Fong. The brothels gradually moved to Possession Street. In 1903, they
relocated to Shek Tong Tsui which rapidly developed into a prosperous
red-light district. In Wan Chai, western and Chinese prostitutes flocked
together along Spring Garden Lane which was known as "Big Number Brothels"
since a big numberplate was hung in front of each brothel. The brothels "Ma
Tei Fa Kwok" located at Yau Ma Tei were established in the 1880s.
This exhibition features approximately one hundred photographs, all of which
are from the collection of Mr. CHENG Po Hung, a renowned expert on Hong Kong
history. Viewers can reminisce about the old Hong Kong through these
photographs and have a better understanding of the development of Hong Kong
brothels from the 1850s to 1960s. The Museum will publish a book with
numerous old photographs of the areas described, written by Mr. CHENG Po
Hung.
The opening hours of the Museum are daily from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and
from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Museum is closed on 24 December,
31 December p.m. and public holidays. Admission is free. All are welcome.
* The preview of the exhibition will take place at the Museum from 5:30 p.m
to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 25 November 2003.
* For enquiries and exhibit photographs, please contact the museum office on
2241-5513, or visit our website.
(image caption: The foreign brothel visitors and the "Big Number Brothels",
Spring Garden Lane, Wan Chai, c. 1925.)
Talks
The third series of talks on Hong Kong Stories (in Cantonese)
Speaker: Mr. Cheng Po Hung
Thursdays (5:30 p.m.)
(1) Cinema tickets
4.12.2003
(2) Banknotes
11.12.2003
(3) Share certificates
18.12.2003
(4) Stamps
8.1.2004
(5) Public transport tickets
15.1.2004
(6) Horse racing lottery tickets
29.1.2004
The talks are free and open to the public, and will be held at the Fung Ping
Shan Building, the University Museum and Art Gallery. Each talk lasts about
1 hour.
The University Museum and Art Gallery, The University of Hong Kong