Journal of Chinese Australia, Issue 1, May 2005

Call for photographs: Photographs of Chinese in Chinese and non-Chinese Australian family collections

Sophie Couchman

Asian Studies, La Trobe University

I am currently completing a PhD in Asian Studies at La Trobe University that examines how Chinese Australians have been represented in photographs, 1850-1940. Family photographs form a vital part of the thesis as they show how Chinese Australians have chosen to express themselves through time. Family collections are particularly interesting as they show not only family members but their friends and acquaintances in Australia and elsewhere - sometimes long forgotten by descendants.

Do you hold a collection of nineteenth and early twentieth family photographs?

Do any of the photographs include individuals who are known or look to have Chinese ancestry?

If so I would be very interested to hear from you.

In the first instance I am simply interested in hearing about the nature of your collection. I can be contacted c/- Asian Studies, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia, 3086 or by telephone on +61 3 9525 5653, fax: +61 3 9479 1880 or email: sophiec@smartchat.net.au