Marjorie Doggett and 

Lee Fook Chee created vivid records of Singapore and Hong Kong more than six decades ago. Their origins and futures were vastly different, but both were highly capable and self-taught photographers. In 1947, as young adults, they each left their homelands – Doggett travelling from Britain to Singapore, and Lee moving from Singapore to Hong Kong – to live out their lives in the cities they reached. 

Through photography, Doggett found a purpose in her pioneering architectural photo book, Characters of Light. Exploiting his skills, Lee made a living selling his photos to tourists on The Peak.     

The 1950s were to be a crucial decade for both cities. Singapore was moving steadily towards a locally inspired and led future while Hong Kong was to witness a fundamental economic transformation. In both, the urban landscape would soon be massively changed and developed. These photographs give a wonderful insight into two cities on the cusp of enormous change.

The exhibition will take place at 3^rd floor, Sino Plaza, 255 Gloucester Road, from 1 April to 30 May, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. It is sponsored by Ng Teng Fong Charitable Foundation and Sino Group, supported by the Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore, Hong Kong. The exhibition is curated by The Photographic Heritage Foundation.

Marjorie Doggett photos 

Copyright: National Archives of Singapore

Lee Fook Chee photos

Copyright: Estate of Lee Fook Chee