The King of Kowloon's death draws calls to save graffiti legacy

Calls to preserve the calligraphy of the 'King of Kowloon' grew last night after news of his death emerged yesterday.

Tsang Tsou-choi, 86, renowned for writing densely packed Chinese script in neat lines on the sides of pedestrian overpasses, phone boxes and electrical boxes, died on July 15. News of his death was only revealed yesterday as his family wanted to keep it a low-profile affair while funeral arrangements were made.

Friends, exhibitors, members of the Antiquities Advisory Board and a legislator said Tsang's work, some of which remains on walls in Kowloon, was part of the city's collective memory and must be preserved.

His long-time friend, artist Lau Kin-wai, urged the government to help preserve his artworks.

'It is a pity that the Hong Kong Museum of Art still refuses to display his works but if the museum accepts, I can let them display these works,' said Lau, who owns dozens of Tsang's works, which he will show in a future exhibition.

Tsang's work, which can be seen at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier and Kwun Tong police station, will receive international exposure when two of his pieces appear at an exhibition in Geneva in January.

Lau said: 'His works transcended many levels. He was arrested by police and scolded by many people. They surpassed the boundaries of law. No one can imitate them.'