The photographs are curated by Professor Robert Bickers from the University of Bristol’s Department of History. Professor Bickers is a specialist in modern Chinese history and the history of colonialism and has just published his fifth book on China, Out of China: How the Chinese ended the era of Western Domination.

"I have a lifelong interest in China, its history and its people, and particularly Britain’s relationship with it. As a historian I am interested in the human stories that shape these relationships, whether those of Britons in China, or Chinese visitors to Britain, including to Bristol. I have spent many years researching our past links with China and sharing these stories through my research, books and collating historical photographs.

"It is a great privilege to be able to share these early images of China from the University of Bristol’s extensive archive, in Chongqing. Many are from private collections and will provide the people of Sichuan with a rare and fascinating insight into their past," said Professor Bickers.