“Old photograph fever” is currently sweeping China as people try and recapture a visual sense of their own history.
Apparently, the Communist party frowned on China’s history as “black time,” particularly during the Cultural Revolution, and its scourging of past associations caused most Chinese to purge their family photographs. Official historical archives were also destroyed, along with their photos. As a consequence, there are almost no photographs of China — in China — prior to 1970.
A website comment this morning brought this BBC link about the story to my attention. It’s worthy of its own post. The accompanying slide show is absolutely gorgeous.
And for any China-enthusiasts wanting to see a photos related to flying and culture in the Middle Kingdom during the 1930s and ’40s, I’ve posted a set of images on my China’s Wings board on Pinterest and in a photo album on my China’s Wings Facebook page.
I’d be thrilled if China’s Wings could catch a draft from China’s new passion for its fascinating past — it’s going to be published in Chinese.
CNAC Forever!
