Francis Wu - One Man Show - Photographic Society Of Hong Kong - 1950

The Chinese Photogrpaher Magazine / April 1950

 A GREAT PHOTOGRAPHER

By David Cohen. Hon. Sec. Photographic Society of Hong Kong

 Poison by Francis Wu

Francis Wu is a native of Kwangtung Province, and was born in Bak Toy, China in 1911. His early education took place in Hawaii and here his interest in photography began. When only nine years old, he was introduced to the art of picture making via a very simple camera, and gradually his talent in art and photogpahy made him determined to excel in this hobby. Even in his school days, he spent quite a lot of time studying photographic techniques besides his regular class work; and his interest in photography grew with his experience.

In the year 1931, he returned to Hong Kong to further his studies at Lingnam University in Canton, and very soon was organizing the University’s first Photographic Club. Various salons and exhibitions were accepting his initiative and determination to learn more and more about photogpahy was made apparent in his greatly improved pictures, and after several years of hard work his prints were being accepted by various salons and exhibitions.

  

Song of Spring by Francis Wu

Francis Wu decided to turn professional in the year 1937, and the government of Hong Kong showed their appreciation of his ability, after the liberation of Hong Kong, by appointing him as official photographer for Governor House by Admiral Sir Cecil Harcourt. Moreover, he was the only Chinese photographer who participated in the Japanese surrender ceremony.

For several years before the establishment of the present Photographic Section in General Police Headquarters, Francis Wu assisted the Police in Crime Photography.

He obtained his Fellowship from The Royal Photographic Society in 1941, and a few years later, in 1948 became a Fellow of Photographic Society of America. And have appointed him as their representative for China and Hong Kong.