Examples of Valery’s writings and textile collection will be shown. There will be tributes from her husband, Richard, and fellow RASHK member, Chris Hall.
About Valery Garrett (1942 - 2023)
British born Valery Garrett lived in Hong Kong from 1973 onwards. From her early interest in traditional dress worn in Hong Kong in the 1970s, she became an acknowledged authority on Chinese dress and accessories. Over 250 items from her collection were acquired and exhibited by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London for their permanent collection. A fashion designer turned full-time freelance writer, she specialised in Chinese culture and travel, especially Hong Kong and Guangzhou. She authored the following books:
Discover Hong Kong: The City’s History and Culture Redefined, pub Marshall Cavendish, Singapore, Sept 2008
Chinese Dress from the Qing Dynasty to the Present, pub Tuttle, Singapore and USA, Nov 2007
Heaven is High, the Emperor Far Away: Merchants and Mandarins in Old Canton, pub Oxford University Press, Hong Kong, 2002
Chinese Dragon Robes, pub Oxford University Press, Hong Kong, 1998
A Collector’s Guide to Chinese Dress Accessories, pub Times Editions, Singapore, 1997
Buying Antiques, Arts and Crafts in Hong Kong, pub Times Editions, Singapore, 1996
Hong Kong: Life and Times, pub Times Editions, Singapore, 1996/Hong Kong: pub Editions Solar, Edition du Club France Loisirs, Paris, 1996
Chinese Clothing: An Illustrated Guide, pub Oxford University Press, 1994
Children of the Gods: Dress and Symbolism in China, pub Urban Council Hong Kong, 1990
Mandarin Squares: Mandarins and their Insignia, pub Oxford University Press, 1990
Traditional Chinese Clothing in Hong Kong and South China, 1840-1980, pub Oxford University Press, 1987
Valery was a very active Activities Committee and member of RASHK, (Life member from 1973, Activities Committee Chair 2002, until her severe illness in 2010).
Her obituary will appear in RASHK Journal Vol. 63.
Admission: No charge
Registration: Required. Please email membership@royalasiaticsociety.org.hk and provide your membership number, if applicable, at the time of registration.