The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery was founded by Richard Glynn Vivian of the wealthy Vivian family, owners of the most successful copper smelting plant in the world in the 19th Century. He travelled extensively and collected and acquired, through various means, many objects and artworks. When he died, he left his entire collection for ‘the enjoyment of the people of Swansea’, and the gallery opened in 1911 to display these works.

In 2013, as part of a community project for the exhibition Let’s See What Happens…, curated by Karen MacKinnon at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, a series of cups were produced by members of Swansea’s Chinese community.

Through the contemporary acquisition of these cups to the gallery’s collection, Owen Griffiths will work with artist, writer and academic Dr. Denise Kwan, to facilitate an investigation into the gallery’s historical collection of Chinese objects.

The project will seek to decolonise the exoticisation of existing Chinese objects in British museums and galleries, creating space for the reinterpretation of cultural narratives based on material and visual cultures.

The methodology of the project will centre on socially engaged practice, working directly with members of Swansea’s Chinese community.

Partner

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, Dr Denise Kwan, Swan Gardens and Family Housing. With special thanks to Fun Wong for her continued support and friendship.