The University of St Andrews Library’s Special Collections hosts a wealth of data, including rare books, manuscripts, photos and archival material. The collection, which has been in growth since the University’s establishment in the 15th century, holds a number of objects relating to Chinese art which may pose interest to researchers and historians. 

One such entry is a collection of watercolours painted by Major General Philip Anstruther. Born into a family of Scottish aristocrats, Anstruther served the British army during the first Opiumd War (1840-43) as an artillery commander. An avid painter and sketcher, Anstruther penned various scenes during his stays in camps, forts and cities across the Qing state. In 1840, Anstruther was captured in Ningpo under a bounty for English sailors and soldiers, where he is said to have impressed his captors with his artistic ability. Some of the sketches in the manuscripts originate from his time of captivity. 

The Special Collections also holds a significant number of photographs by Franki Raffles in the Franki Raffles Photography Collection. Franki Raffles, an alumni of the University of St Andrews and feminist documentary photographer, travelled to China via the trans-Siberian railway in 1984. Once there, she embarked on a comprehensive journey across several major regions, including Beijing, Kunming, Hong Kong, and Tibet, documenting her travels through her photography.