Museum of East Asian Art
Encyclopedia
The Museum of East Asian Art or MEAA is in Bennett Street, Bath, Somerset
, England.
Just a few metres off The Circus in central Bath, the Museum of East Asian Art is situated in a restored Georgian
house. The Museum attracts the interest of students, scholars and tourists. It includes a collection of ceramics
, jade
s, bronzes and bamboo
carvings and more, from China
, Japan
, Korea
and Southeast Asia
. It is the only museum in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to arts and cultures of East and Southeast Asia.
It houses a collection of almost 2,000 objects, ranging in date from c.5000 BCE to the present day. The Museum's collection started from the collection of Brian McElney OBE, a retired solicitor who practised in Hong Kong
for over 35 years, and has since been expanded.
collects, preserves, exhibits and makes available to the public, artefacts from East and Southeast Asia, and information relating to those areas. The Museum works to encourage education, creativity, dialogue and research in relation to such cultures, and strives to be accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
and it was during this time that he was drawn to East Asian, and especially Chinese art
. In 1958 he bought his first piece, an ivory goat and kid, after which Brian’s collection grew to include jades, ceramics, scholar’s studio objects and bronzes.
After his retirement from law in 1983, Brian returned to England and procured the funds for the restoration and refurbishment of the Georgian building that houses the Museum, founding the Museum itself in 1990. Mr McElney donated his private collection to form the Museum, which he had created as a UK educational charity, opening to the public in 1993. Although the bulk of the objects come from this original donation, new donations and acquisitions have been made over the years.
Since opening to the public in April 1993, the Museum has become one of the most extensive collections of East Asian art outside London
, and it is the only museum dedicated solely to the arts and cultures of East and Southeast Asia within the UK. With a collection of almost 2,000 objects, ranging in date from c.5000 BCE to the present day, the Museum offers its visitors an insight into the art and cultures of China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Home to one of the most comprehensive jade
collections in the UK, the collection uncovers the skill of East Asian craftsmanship.
The Museum’s collection is interpreted in a lively and innovative manner. Particular attention is given to the Museum’s educational role, with special exhibitions, an events programme and new publications designed to encourage a greater understanding of East Asian arts and cultures.
as a World Heritage site. Attractions include the spectacular Royal Crescent
and The Circus
as well as the Roman Baths. Bath is ideally situated geographically on the River Avon, and being surrounded by hills and water, it conforms to rules of feng shui
for a providential site; an appropriate location for the future prosperity of a collection reflecting the art and cultures of East Asia.
Bath and the West Country also have historical links to China. The trade in Chinese tea
and porcelain
was one of the most valued aspects of commerce in 18th century England and Bath was the second most popular resort after London for these activities. By the mid-18th century tea drinking had become an important part in the city’s social life. This historical relationship is illustrated by the Museum’s collection of Armorial Porcelain
in the Ceramics Gallery, with the pieces on display having been made for prominent families in 18th century Bath and the surrounding region. This includes the Pratt Family Tureen which was purchased with funding from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
(MLA), the Victoria and Albert Museum
(V&A), and The Art Fund charity.
where he studied classics
and ancient history
. He did not go to university but was articled to a solicitors’ practice in the City of London, where he qualified in 1956. He then joined the legal firm of Johnston Stokes & Master in Hong Kong, eventually rising to the position of Senior Partner in 1971. During 1973-74 he served as President of the Hong Kong Law Society. He remained as Senior Partner in his practice until 1983, continuing as a consultant until his retirement in 1992.
Brian’s career was rewarding on many levels. By mid-career he was a prominent member of Hong Kong society, noted for his discerning and extensive collection of East Asian art treasures, principally Chinese. He started collecting in 1958, despite his modest means at that time. His collecting dominated his non-work interests, and he devoted many hours to achieving a scholarly understanding of East Asian and Chinese art.
After retiring in 1992, Brian was faced with the dilemma of what to do with his by now extensive collection of East Asian art. He explored the possibilities of loaning or donating his collection to an existing museum where he could continue his involvement with Chinese art, and pass on his knowledge and enthusiasm for it to the next generation. However his approaches were in vain. Then in late 1989, only a week or so after the last unsuccessful approach, some funds in his gift became available for donation to charity, specifically including museums. Brian decided to found the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath as an educational charity to which he would donate his collection.
A georgian
house was purchased at 12 Bennett Street, located close to The Circus, one of Bath’s most prominent architectural features, and not far from another, the Royal Crescent. The house was converted in 1991 – 92 and fitted out as a museum, with attention paid to the planning and finishing of the building. Since the founding of the Museum, Brian worked there on a daily basis as the Honorary Keeper until retiring in April 2010.
, jade
s, bronzes and bamboo
carvings and more are based over the two upper galleries of the Museum. These galleries house the bulk of their almost 2,000 objects, ranging in date from c.5000 BCE to the present day. Further objects, which are rotated into the permanent collection regularly, are stored in the Museum vaults and the Franklin Tsu Gallery on the ground floor is used to house temporary exhibitions.
The Museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions and has a full event programme that runs alongside these. In 2008 the Museum won a Learning Experience Award for their "Season of Tibet" exhibitions, one of their best recevied exhibition and event series to date. The exhibition of contemporary papercuts, hosted in 2010 to coincide with the Lunar New Year, was so popular with the public that is was extended.
The Museum has also been involved with external exhibitions and is one of the Museum partners on the travelling exhibition organised by the National Geographic Society
, which includes almost 100 hundred items from the Museum's collection. Whilst on the Oman
leg of the tour, the exhibition was visited by the United Nations
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
, who expressed an interest in having the exhibition visit the United Nations Headquarters
in New York.
The Museum of East Asian Art has a full quarterly events programme, hosting a range of events on and off site which have included a talk by the Antiques Roadshow
's Lars Tharp
, and Bath's first East Asian Film Festival.
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, England.
Just a few metres off The Circus in central Bath, the Museum of East Asian Art is situated in a restored Georgian
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
house. The Museum attracts the interest of students, scholars and tourists. It includes a collection of ceramics
Ceramic art
In art history, ceramics and ceramic art mean art objects such as figures, tiles, and tableware made from clay and other raw materials by the process of pottery. Some ceramic products are regarded as fine art, while others are regarded as decorative, industrial or applied art objects, or as...
, jade
Jade
Jade is an ornamental stone.The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals:...
s, bronzes and bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family....
carvings and more, from China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
and Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
. It is the only museum in the United Kingdom dedicated solely to arts and cultures of East and Southeast Asia.
It houses a collection of almost 2,000 objects, ranging in date from c.5000 BCE to the present day. The Museum's collection started from the collection of Brian McElney OBE, a retired solicitor who practised in Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
for over 35 years, and has since been expanded.
Mission Statement
To offer facilities for the appreciation and study of East and Southeast Asian art and cultures. To this end the MuseumMuseum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...
collects, preserves, exhibits and makes available to the public, artefacts from East and Southeast Asia, and information relating to those areas. The Museum works to encourage education, creativity, dialogue and research in relation to such cultures, and strives to be accessible to as wide an audience as possible.
History
The Museum was founded by Brian McElney OBE. Brian spent his entire working life practising law in Hong KongHong Kong
Hong Kong is one of two Special Administrative Regions of the People's Republic of China , the other being Macau. A city-state situated on China's south coast and enclosed by the Pearl River Delta and South China Sea, it is renowned for its expansive skyline and deep natural harbour...
and it was during this time that he was drawn to East Asian, and especially Chinese art
Chinese art
Chinese art is visual art that, whether ancient or modern, originated in or is practiced in China or by Chinese artists or performers. Early so-called "stone age art" dates back to 10,000 BC, mostly consisting of simple pottery and sculptures. This early period was followed by a series of art...
. In 1958 he bought his first piece, an ivory goat and kid, after which Brian’s collection grew to include jades, ceramics, scholar’s studio objects and bronzes.
After his retirement from law in 1983, Brian returned to England and procured the funds for the restoration and refurbishment of the Georgian building that houses the Museum, founding the Museum itself in 1990. Mr McElney donated his private collection to form the Museum, which he had created as a UK educational charity, opening to the public in 1993. Although the bulk of the objects come from this original donation, new donations and acquisitions have been made over the years.
Since opening to the public in April 1993, the Museum has become one of the most extensive collections of East Asian art outside London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
, and it is the only museum dedicated solely to the arts and cultures of East and Southeast Asia within the UK. With a collection of almost 2,000 objects, ranging in date from c.5000 BCE to the present day, the Museum offers its visitors an insight into the art and cultures of China, Japan, Korea and Southeast Asia. Home to one of the most comprehensive jade
Jade
Jade is an ornamental stone.The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals:...
collections in the UK, the collection uncovers the skill of East Asian craftsmanship.
The Museum’s collection is interpreted in a lively and innovative manner. Particular attention is given to the Museum’s educational role, with special exhibitions, an events programme and new publications designed to encourage a greater understanding of East Asian arts and cultures.
Why Bath?
Bath is said to be one of the best preserved 18th century cities in the world. It is one of only a few cities in the world designated by UNESCOUNESCO
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations...
as a World Heritage site. Attractions include the spectacular Royal Crescent
Royal Crescent
The Royal Crescent is a residential road of 30 houses laid out in a crescent in the city of Bath, England. Designed by the architect John Wood the Younger and built between 1767 and 1774, it is among the greatest examples of Georgian architecture to be found in the United Kingdom and is a grade I...
and The Circus
The Circus (Bath)
The Circus is an example of Georgian architecture in the city of Bath, Somerset, England, begun in 1754 and completed in 1768. The name comes from the Latin 'circus', which means a ring, oval or circle. It has been designated as a Grade I listed building....
as well as the Roman Baths. Bath is ideally situated geographically on the River Avon, and being surrounded by hills and water, it conforms to rules of feng shui
Feng shui
Feng shui ' is a Chinese system of geomancy believed to use the laws of both Heaven and Earth to help one improve life by receiving positive qi. The original designation for the discipline is Kan Yu ....
for a providential site; an appropriate location for the future prosperity of a collection reflecting the art and cultures of East Asia.
Bath and the West Country also have historical links to China. The trade in Chinese tea
Chinese tea
The practice of drinking tea has had a long history in China, having originated there. The Chinese drink tea during many parts of the day such as during meals for good health or for simple pleasure.-History:...
and porcelain
Porcelain
Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating raw materials, generally including clay in the form of kaolin, in a kiln to temperatures between and...
was one of the most valued aspects of commerce in 18th century England and Bath was the second most popular resort after London for these activities. By the mid-18th century tea drinking had become an important part in the city’s social life. This historical relationship is illustrated by the Museum’s collection of Armorial Porcelain
Armorial ware
Armorial ware are ceramics decorated with a coat of arms. Armorials have been popular on European pottery from the Renaissance with examples seen on Italia Maiolica, Slipware, English and Dutch Delft, and on porcelain from the 18th century....
in the Ceramics Gallery, with the pieces on display having been made for prominent families in 18th century Bath and the surrounding region. This includes the Pratt Family Tureen which was purchased with funding from the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
Museums, Libraries and Archives Council
The Museums, Libraries and Archives Council is a non-departmental public body in England and a registered charity with a remit to promote improvement and innovation in the area of museums, libraries and archives...
(MLA), the Victoria and Albert Museum
Victoria and Albert Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum , set in the Brompton district of The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, London, England, is the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 4.5 million objects...
(V&A), and The Art Fund charity.
Museum Founder
The museum's founder Brian S. McElney was educated in the UK, attending school at Marlborough CollegeMarlborough College
Marlborough College is a British co-educational independent school for day and boarding pupils, located in Marlborough, Wiltshire.Founded in 1843 for the education of the sons of Church of England clergy, the school now accepts both boys and girls of all beliefs. Currently there are just over 800...
where he studied classics
Classics
Classics is the branch of the Humanities comprising the languages, literature, philosophy, history, art, archaeology and other culture of the ancient Mediterranean world ; especially Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome during Classical Antiquity Classics (sometimes encompassing Classical Studies or...
and ancient history
Ancient history
Ancient history is the study of the written past from the beginning of recorded human history to the Early Middle Ages. The span of recorded history is roughly 5,000 years, with Cuneiform script, the oldest discovered form of coherent writing, from the protoliterate period around the 30th century BC...
. He did not go to university but was articled to a solicitors’ practice in the City of London, where he qualified in 1956. He then joined the legal firm of Johnston Stokes & Master in Hong Kong, eventually rising to the position of Senior Partner in 1971. During 1973-74 he served as President of the Hong Kong Law Society. He remained as Senior Partner in his practice until 1983, continuing as a consultant until his retirement in 1992.
Brian’s career was rewarding on many levels. By mid-career he was a prominent member of Hong Kong society, noted for his discerning and extensive collection of East Asian art treasures, principally Chinese. He started collecting in 1958, despite his modest means at that time. His collecting dominated his non-work interests, and he devoted many hours to achieving a scholarly understanding of East Asian and Chinese art.
After retiring in 1992, Brian was faced with the dilemma of what to do with his by now extensive collection of East Asian art. He explored the possibilities of loaning or donating his collection to an existing museum where he could continue his involvement with Chinese art, and pass on his knowledge and enthusiasm for it to the next generation. However his approaches were in vain. Then in late 1989, only a week or so after the last unsuccessful approach, some funds in his gift became available for donation to charity, specifically including museums. Brian decided to found the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath as an educational charity to which he would donate his collection.
A georgian
Georgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
house was purchased at 12 Bennett Street, located close to The Circus, one of Bath’s most prominent architectural features, and not far from another, the Royal Crescent. The house was converted in 1991 – 92 and fitted out as a museum, with attention paid to the planning and finishing of the building. Since the founding of the Museum, Brian worked there on a daily basis as the Honorary Keeper until retiring in April 2010.
Museum Content
The Museum of East Asian Art's permanent collection of ceramicsCeramic art
In art history, ceramics and ceramic art mean art objects such as figures, tiles, and tableware made from clay and other raw materials by the process of pottery. Some ceramic products are regarded as fine art, while others are regarded as decorative, industrial or applied art objects, or as...
, jade
Jade
Jade is an ornamental stone.The term jade is applied to two different metamorphic rocks that are made up of different silicate minerals:...
s, bronzes and bamboo
Bamboo
Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Giant bamboos are the largest members of the grass family....
carvings and more are based over the two upper galleries of the Museum. These galleries house the bulk of their almost 2,000 objects, ranging in date from c.5000 BCE to the present day. Further objects, which are rotated into the permanent collection regularly, are stored in the Museum vaults and the Franklin Tsu Gallery on the ground floor is used to house temporary exhibitions.
The Museum hosts regular temporary exhibitions and has a full event programme that runs alongside these. In 2008 the Museum won a Learning Experience Award for their "Season of Tibet" exhibitions, one of their best recevied exhibition and event series to date. The exhibition of contemporary papercuts, hosted in 2010 to coincide with the Lunar New Year, was so popular with the public that is was extended.
The Museum has also been involved with external exhibitions and is one of the Museum partners on the travelling exhibition organised by the National Geographic Society
National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society , headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States, is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical...
, which includes almost 100 hundred items from the Museum's collection. Whilst on the Oman
Oman
Oman , officially called the Sultanate of Oman , is an Arab state in southwest Asia on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It is bordered by the United Arab Emirates to the northwest, Saudi Arabia to the west, and Yemen to the southwest. The coast is formed by the Arabian Sea on the...
leg of the tour, the exhibition was visited by the United Nations
United Nations
The United Nations is an international organization whose stated aims are facilitating cooperation in international law, international security, economic development, social progress, human rights, and achievement of world peace...
Secretary General Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon
Ban Ki-moon is the eighth and current Secretary-General of the United Nations, after succeeding Kofi Annan in 2007. Before going on to be Secretary-General, Ban was a career diplomat in South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and in the United Nations. He entered diplomatic service the year he...
, who expressed an interest in having the exhibition visit the United Nations Headquarters
United Nations headquarters
The headquarters of the United Nations is a complex in New York City. The complex has served as the official headquarters of the United Nations since its completion in 1952. It is located in the Turtle Bay neighborhood of Manhattan, on spacious grounds overlooking the East River...
in New York.
The Museum of East Asian Art has a full quarterly events programme, hosting a range of events on and off site which have included a talk by the Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow
Antiques Roadshow is a British television show in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom to appraise antiques brought in by local people. It has been running since 1979...
's Lars Tharp
Lars Tharp
Lars Broholm Tharp is a Danish-born historian, lecturer and broadcaster, and one of the longest running 'experts' on the BBC antiques programme, Antiques Roadshow, first appearing in 1986.-Early life and education:...
, and Bath's first East Asian Film Festival.