Sewers and public toilets aren't exactly appealing sights, but highlighted on an 1882 map of Hong Kong they are a quirky feature. 'The map came with the Chadwick report on sanitation and water supply and as a result of its recommendations, the impressive Tai Tam reservoir was built,' says Jonathan Wattis.
The founder of Wattis Fine Art didn't just acquire the lithograph map for his gallery; he also ploughed through the dense report. 'It was hard going, but it's an important part of Hong Kong history,' he says.
Such efforts have given Wattis an in-depth knowledge of the early history of the city and the Pearl River Delta that has earned his business in rare maps, photographs, books and prints a measure of fame in Asia. Wattis' gallery on Hollywood Road marks its 20th anniversary this week and historian Nigel Cameron says it has become a vital part of the neighbourhood known for its art and antique shops.
'It's important to have a few galleries that focus on historical art related to Asia and Wattis is one of the recognised best dealers in Hong Kong,' Cameron says. 'The gallery reflects the knowledge and experience of Wattis himself.'
An affable man with a fondness for bow ties, Wattis, 52, says he has always loved history and literature. He applied to join Christie's rare books department soon after leaving school, but was assigned to the ceramics division instead. That turned out to be a blessing because it widened his perspective. 'It was an Aladdin's cave of ceramics from China and Japan as well as European countries,' he says. 'I learned about the style and history of different cultures.'
His bosses initially had him sweep the floors, but by the time Wattis left to travel around Asia six years later, he had become a specialist. 'I learned to do an immense amount of research because I had to convince 70-year-olds that I knew what I was talking about,' he says.