Francis Wu Photography

Francis Wu was a prominent Hong Kong photographer who helped define 20th Century Chinese photography. Classical Chinese paintings and literature influenced his composition and lighting. 

Francis said “Because of my Chinese ancestry…I have been possessed of the aesthetic feeling to photograph my fellow people in their true sense—their expressions, their customs, their characters…” One of his well known series: "Chinese Beauties" exemplified this idea. His images capture the essence of Hong Kong at a transitional time recording traditional fishing and farming methods in the rural communities that would soon disappear under the pressures of urbanization. He photographed Hong Kong as the city recovered and rebuilt after WWII, capturing historic events for the British government and the media.

His fine art photographs gained recognition worldwide through his participation and awards received from the Photographic Society of America which included a one man show of his work in 1957 at The Smithsonian Museum of Art. He found a mentor in Nicholas Haz who wrote to him “Keep it up young man and make yourself into the best in China … plenty of good publicity, shining address and beautifully appointed studio … don’t be afraid to ask for big charges".

Francis Wu’s photographic legacy, including books, correspondence, awards, newspaper and magazine articles are being archived and preserved by his family. The Hong Kong Museum of History will be devoting a gallery with an exhibition of his work and life along with a replica of his Gloucester Arcade studio in their new wing.  M+ Museum in West Kowloon will also have Francis and his wife Daisy's work as part of their permanent collection.