Edward Denison

Guang Yu Ren

Luke Him Sau/Lu Qianshou (1904–1991) is best knowninternationally and in China as the architect of the iconic Bank ofChina Headquarters in Shanghai. One of the first Chinese studentsto be trained at the Architectural Association in London in thelate 1920s, Luke’s long, prolific and highly successfulcareer in China and Hong Kong offers unique insights into anextraordinary period of Chinese political turbulence that scupperedthe professional prospects and historical recognition of so many ofhis colleagues. Global interest in China has risen exponentially in recenttimes, creating an appetite for the country’s history andculture. This book satiates this by providing a highly engaging andvisual account of China’s 20th-century architecture throughthe lens of one of the country’s most distinguished yetoverlooked designers. It features over 250 new colour photographsby Edward Denison of Luke’s buildings and original archivematerial. The book charts Luke’s life and work, commencing with hischildhood in colonial Hong Kong and his apprenticeship with aBritish architectural firm before focusing on his education at theArchitectural Association (1927–30). In London, Luke wasoffered the post of Head of the Architecture Department at thenewly established Bank of China, where IM Pei’s father was asenior figure. Luke spent the next seven years in the inimitablecity of Shanghai designing buildings all over China for the Bankbefore the Japanese invasion in 1937 forced him, and countlessothers, to flee to the proxy wartime capital of Chongqing. In 1945he returned to Shanghai where he formed a partnership with fourother Chinese graduates of UK universities; but civil war (betweenthe Communists and Nationalists) once again caused him and othersto uproot in 1949. Initially intent on fleeing with theNationalists to Taiwan, Luke was almost convinced to stay inCommunist China but decided finally to move to Hong Kong. There,for the third time in his life, he had to establish his career allover again. Despite many challenges, he eventually prospered,becoming a pioneer in the design of private residences, schools,hospitals, chapels and public housing.

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