This exhibition explores the work of William Alexander, the artist who accompanied Britain’s first embassy to China.
William Alexander: The Man Who Drew China
Drawing on original material from Maidstone Museums’ collection, the exhibition presents Alexander’s detailed observations of landscape, architecture, and everyday life in China alongside his work produced in Britain.
Shown together in depth for the first time, these two bodies of work offer a clear and compelling exploration of cultural encounter at a pivotal moment in global history.
Working from direct observation, Alexander produced drawings and watercolours that recorded people, places, and environments with remarkable clarity. These images provided British audiences with some of their earliest sustained visual impressions of China.
Alongside this material, the exhibition presents Alexander’s work created in Britain, where his focus shifted towards architectural subjects. Seen together, these works reveal a contrast in approach, subject matter, and intent across two very different cultural contexts.
Exhibition highlights
The first exhibition to present Alexander’s Chinese and British works together in significant number
Original drawings and watercolours based on first-hand observation
A clear narrative exploring cultural exchange between Britain and China
Flexible touring format, including an option with enhanced focus on China material and bilingual interpretation
Price: £2,250 per four-week hire period (flexible options also available).
