This illustration was drawn by the British artist and illustrator Steven Spurrier (1878-1961). The caption in German reads that the Chinese Restaurant is the special attraction at the Wembley Exhibition, which offers Europeans an opportunity to consume Chinese dishes in a Chinese way of dining. Spurrier’s drawing provides us a rare reference of the interior design of the Chinese Restaurant and the happenings there. We can see that lanterns were hung in the restaurant for decoration or lighting. The wooden columns were built with traditional Chinese architectural style that the bracket (dougong) was installed. The restaurant was full of European customers. At the centre of the illustration, there were Chinese musicians with Chinese musical instruments putting up suits and ties. They played both traditional Chinese music and jazz. Next to them are the Chinese waiters serving the guests. At the front, the customers were trying hard to use chopsticks.
An illustration of the Chinese Restaurant
SKU: BD004
- 1924