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ABOUT

About the Author

Mike Emery

Photographer | Writer

In the Spring of 1980, Photographer Mike Emery was on board one of the first ever American passenger cruise ships sailing the China coast. No one on board had been to China, in fact, it was a seldom visited country for Westerners. Mike found himself arriving at a time of rapid change and excitement, with economic, political and cultural reforms sweeping the country.

 

With his bright clothes, fair hair and camera, Mike stood out in the streets of the cities he visited in China. Local people were intrigued, as Mike played the clown to gauge reactions. He’d pull faces, poke out his tongue, even lay in the middle of the street to get noticed. Sometimes he’d get crowds up to 50 people, wanting to speak English or just satisfy their curiosity about this strange westerner.  As a result, Mike was able to capture the essence of the time, both in people’s faces and the unique urban landscapes they inhabited.

 

Mike Emery in 1980 & 2019

38 years later, and Mike has collected his finest images and memories into a uniquely beautiful hardcover coffee table book. China’s Children is not solely a collection of works featuring children, rather it captures a time over which a generation grew up. It captures everyday people in their lives with a freshness and reality rarely seen.

 

Colour photography from this time is extremely rare and images of this quality are hardly ever seen. Capturing a simpler time, the book features everyday life in Beijing and Shanghai. Perhaps you grew up in China in this time? This beautiful book offers a unique opportunity for people that may not have photos of their own from this time. Sharing these precious memories with family and friends is a great joy that appeals to every generation.

 

In sharing these photos Mike Emery hopes that people who lived through these times and their families will have a book they can treasure for many years to come. Anyone with a love of China, its culture and history will find great pleasure in the richness of these images and the story behind them. In many ways, this new book on China is an ideal gift that captures a moment in China’s history and presents it with the quality and respect that history deserves.

History

China in 1979-1980

Man rollerskating on the Beijing bridge in 1980

In the late 1970s, China was undergoing significant changes as the country was shifting from a planned economy to a market-oriented one. The average person's lifestyle was influenced by a combination of traditional cultural values and the changing economic and political landscape.

The average person in China lived in small apartments or government-subsidized housing. Many people lived in communal apartments, which were usually cramped and lacked basic amenities like running water and toilets. The living conditions were harsh and many people had to queue up for food, water, and basic necessities.

Work was a crucial aspect of life for the average person in China. The majority of the population was employed in state-run factories and farms, while others worked in various other industries such as construction and transportation. The working conditions were often harsh, with long hours, low pay, and inadequate safety measures. Many workers lived in the same housing as the factories, which meant that work and home were intimately connected.

Socialisation in China during this period was heavily influenced by the government's emphasis on collectivism. People were encouraged to participate in collective activities and events, such as mass dances and parades, as a way of promoting unity and community spirit. People also gathered in parks and public squares to play games, sing songs, and engage in other forms of leisure activities. There was also a strong emphasis on community-based organisations, such as the Communist Youth League and the Women's Federation, which aimed to promote the values of socialism and promote social and political awareness among the population.

Despite the emphasis on collectivism, family was still an important aspect of life for the average person in China. People lived close to their extended families, and grandparents often played a significant role in raising children. Family gatherings were frequent and marked by feasting, storytelling, and other forms of social interaction.

The average person in China in the late 1970s lived a challenging but socially rich life. Despite the harsh living conditions and long hours at work, people found ways to create a sense of community and enjoy their leisure time. The government's emphasis on collectivism had a significant impact on the way people lived, worked, and socialized, but family remained an important aspect of life for the average person in China.

Our Mission

Bridging Generations Through Timeless Images

Our mission is to reconnect with the people featured in Mike Emery’s evocative photographs from 1980, capturing the vibrant street life of Beijing and Shanghai. These unique images provide a rare glimpse into a time before China became Westernised, serving as an invaluable social record of that era. We aim to discover the stories of these individuals and learn about their lives over the past 40 years, preserving and celebrating the rich history and culture that these photographs represent.

 

In addition to uncovering the personal journeys of those depicted, we aspire to have a version of this book in every school in China. By doing so, we want to offer children a chance to see how their parents and grandparents lived and worked, fostering a deeper connection between generations. These images will serve as a powerful educational tool, helping young people appreciate the history and heritage of their country.

 

Help us achieve this goal and ensure that the legacy of these remarkable individuals is remembered and cherished for years to come. By supporting this mission, you are contributing to the preservation of a unique moment in time and aiding in the creation of a bridge between the past and the present for future generations.

School kids playing on the street corner of Shanghai in 1980
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We'd love to hear from you.

If you spot yourself, family, or friends in the photos, please get in touch with us. We would love to reconnect and reminisce with you.

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