The China at Harewood exhibition is an extremely useful resource for teaching English, science, maths, history, geography, art and design, technology and PSHE.
The Chinese made wallpapers for the European market but they were rarely used in Chinese homes. However they do tell us a lot about how China was perceived at the time and offer us a valuable insight into the heritage of China and its people.
Chinese wallpapers became popular in Britain and France as part of the style known as “Chinoiserie”. Rooms in houses such as Harewood were filled with Chinese porcelain, lacquer work, silks and ivories all from the Far East. Wallpapers were seen as a prized possession due to their expense but also the time it took to produce them and have them delivered to Britain.
The exhibition also displays a suite of Chinese style japanned furniture designed and supplied by Thomas Chippendale to accompany the wallpaper.
The House and this website offer a valuable opportunity and resource to study the history of Chinese and Chinoiserie items at Harewood House in the 18th and early 19th centuries. It is also possible to use this collection to investigate western attitudes towards China, especially in the Chippendale furniture inspired by Chinese designs. Pupils can also study and experience the geography of China, and learn more about Chinese history and culture.
Visit Harewood with your school or class to participate in a wide variety of Chinese-themed workshops and activities. This website can be used as a preparatory tool before your visit and as an extension when back at school.
