Copy of a Chinese print, the original of which was given to Eric Liddell (then serving as a missionary with the London Missionary Society in Siaochang) by a Chinese soldier and artist in 1939 as thanks for the help he received from Liddell while wounded in occupied China. The print depicts a Peony and an inscription in Chinese, which translates as "She (the Peony) is the most beautiful in the city (China), her modesty and manner come from Heaven". The name of the artist is Li Hsin Sheng. Also includes copy of a handwritten account by Liddell relating the story of his encounter with the injured soldier, copies of correspondence relating to Eric's request to have 5,000 copies of the print made in Edinburgh and copy of an article by Rev Barber from the Church of Scotland Magazine, 'Life and Work', where he relates details of the items in his possession at that time.
Papers relating to Eric Liddell
This material is held atSchool of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) Archives, University of London
- Reference
- GB 102 MS 381156
- Dates of Creation
- c 1939
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English Chinese
- Physical Description
- 1 framed picture & 1 file (5 items)
Scope and Content
Access Information
Open
Acquisition Information
Donated to SOAS via the Brunei Gallery Manager, John Hollingworth in July 2012 as a result of the Eric Liddell exhibition, 'The Man Who Wouldn't Run on a Sunday: Eric Liddell in the SOAS Archives'. Handed to Archives & Special Collections 18 July 2012.
Conditions Governing Use
As the material in this collection is comprised of copies, copyright status is not clear and copies for commercial use cannot be authorised by SOAS. Reference only.
Custodial History
Print and copy documents handed to donor's uncle by Rev Derek Barber. It is not clear whether the Rev Barber ever met Eric Liddell or whether he was ever in possession of the original documents. The existence and whereabouts of the originals is not known.