After decades in ‘cultural desert’ Hong Kong, my UK home is a gallery of art from the city and China
- The paintings on the walls of Cliff Buddle’s new home in the UK wouldn’t be contenders for the Turner Prize, but they are rich in memories of Asia
- From a souvenir of his first visit to China, to his son’s rendition of a Van Gogh, and an enigmatic painting of eight bowls, they reflect his time in Hong Kong
For much of the time I lived in Hong Kong, the city was routinely described as a cultural desert. If that was ever true, it cannot be said now.
As the many events marking Art March demonstrate, Hong Kong is working hard to establish itself as a cultural hub bridging China and the West.
Now back in England, I have the opportunity to enjoy London’s multitude of art events, galleries and museums.
But art, no matter what form it takes, is very much a matter of personal taste. The pictures I use to adorn the walls of my house wouldn’t be contenders for the Turner Prize. But they serve as evocative reminders of my former life in Hong Kong.
One painting, perhaps of the Duke of Wellington, has been with me since I was a kid. It is dated 1971. I used to think that soldier was guarding me. I could never bring myself to part with it. The painting travelled with me to Hong Kong and back.
Another work was bought in Guilin, on my first trip to mainland China in 1995. It features peach blossom and is painted in a classical Chinese style.