SCTC Anniversary Reception

Photo: OSVALD SIREN; Qiyefu, Portrait of the ex-emperor’s brother.

We are happy to invite you to celebrate Sweden-China Trade Council’s 42’nd Anniversary on September 15, 2022. Together with the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquites and Sweco we are looking forward to a journey covering a relatively unknown collection of the Finnish-Swedish art historian Osvald Sirén to Sweco’s contribution to today’s city planning in China.

The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities manages unique world-class collections, showing a long-lasting cultural exchange between Sweden and China.  A still relatively unknown collection with great potential is the extensive archive and photographic material by the Finnish-Swedish art historian Osvald Sirén. Sirén was an expert on Chinese art, architectural history, as well as an esteemed photographer. He made several trips to East Asia before World War II, where he carefully documented parks, gardens, and urban environments – with words, sketches, and photography. Many of his images capture details that are of great value today, as many buildings and works of art have disappeared or been destroyed. Thanks to a generous private donation, this 100-year-old collections can now be digitized and thus saved for posterity. There are also plans for digital projects, publications, exhibitions, events, etc. to make the collection available internationally.

Sweco’s engagement in China goes way back in time. From taking part of the construction of Shanghai Port in early 1900 all the way to the latest 20 years of continuous city planning and architectural projects, Swedish engineers and architects has contributed with environmental and sustainable expertise to China’s rapid urban development. Anna Hessle, architect and responsible for Sweco’s activities in China and Vice Chair, Sweden-China Trade Council, will present Sweco’s China projects through the years where the interest has developed from purely architectural to deep green and low carbon.

In addition to a presentation of the Sirén 2.0 project and other current projects, you will receive an exclusive preview of Osvalds Sirén’s unique photo and archive material as well as a tour of the museum.

When: Thursday, September 15, 2022, 16:00 – 18:00 CEST. Registration from 15:45. The program starts at 16:00.

Where: The Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Tyghusplan 4, Stockholm

Cost: SCTC Members Free of Charge. Non-Members, SEK350 plus VAT. Please register below not later than Monday, September 12, 2022. Kindly note that registration is binding as of September 13, 2022.