A unique and highly original portfolio of
Fine Art Lithographs by Pat Elliott Shircore
created from the original documents
marking the beginning and end of Hong Kong's colonial history
Main Page | The Pictures | Picture Details | Exhibitions | Enquiries | Links | Sources | Guest Book His Excellency Sir Chichen Lofênghih, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of H.I.M. the Emperor of China. A high ranking nobleman, he was accredited to the Court of St. James in 1897, having spent the previous two years in Europe. He was highly respected in London as a diplomat "whose position seals his lips, and while very courteous he can be very firm" - "As firm as your own government" - he told the Victorians. The 3rd Marquess of Salisbury, Lord Robert Cecil, was born to privilege at Hatfield House, where Queen Elizabeth 1 was raised, one of England's great country houses. He inherited the title on the death of his elder brother, and entered Parliament in 1867. From 1885 to 1900, he was either Prime Minister, Foreign Minister or both - as he was in 1898. Salisbury was large and portly, with round shoulders "almost to the point of deformity". Li Hung-Chang (above and right with his pipe-bearer) was described by the world press at the time as 'China's greatest living statesman' or, alternatively, as 'the Chinese Bismarck' (who, among many international notables, he met during extensive travels in Europe and North America). He had held the posts of Viceroy of Chihli, Envoy Plenipotentiary to Japan and Superintendent for Trade in Northern China before being appointed as head of the Tsungli Yamen. 
| Signed and Sealed |