In Sheffield, UK, from July to September, a black umbrella-covered motorbike known as the “Harcourt Road Mobile Museum” has been seen on the streets and in parks, sharing the history of Harcourt Road and its connection to Hong Kong. Hong Kong artist and former Wan Chai District Councilor, Cheung Ka-li, along with her husband Ah Kam, have been conducting oral history interviews in the local community to explore the historical ties between the two locations. Cheung believes that the history of Hong Kong and the UK are intertwined with many connections, thus hoping to establish cultural links between the two through artistic activities.
The familiar-sounding street name, Harcourt Road, holds a significant place in the memory of Hong Kong residents, especially due to the Umbrella Movement that took place on September 28, 2014, in Admiralty, Hong Kong. The road became a symbol of resistance as demonstrators used umbrellas to shield themselves from tear gas, sparking a 79-day occupation and becoming a pivotal moment in Hong Kong history.
The naming of Harcourt Road dates back to World War II, commemorating Admiral Harcourt who commanded the Royal Navy fleet during the war. His contributions led to the road being renamed in his honor after the defeat of the Japanese forces in 1945, marking Hong Kong’s liberation.
Fast forward a decade, with Hong Kong undergoing transformations and some democratic-minded individuals immigrating overseas, a road in Sheffield, also named Harcourt Road, shares a history linked to a democratic movement. In 1990, a significant societal event opposing the poll tax in the UK had far-reaching effects. Artists Cheung Ka-li and Ah Kam from C&G Artpartment initiated a research project funded by the National Heritage Lottery Fund focused on Harcourt Road, delving into the oral histories of local residents and the new Hong Kong immigrants in the UK, as well as collecting relevant artifacts to uncover the stories between Harcourt Road in Hong Kong and the UK.
On June 30, C&G Artpartment officially launched a new exhibition space in the UK, aiming to deepen exchanges with the local community. Commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Umbrella Movement on September 28, a series of activities are planned, including the first phase of the Harcourt Road Mobile Museum exhibition displaying research findings on the connected histories of Hong Kong and the UK. The event will also feature a sharing session by 72-year-old Yung Po-hei, one of the initiators of the 2019 anti-extradition protests, titled “From Umbrella to the Community: Times of Revolution,” and a photo exhibition by photographer Siu Wai-hang titled “Iron Horse, Belt, Hope,” showcasing a series of images from the 2014 Umbrella Movement.
The project of Harcourt Road started two years ago with a vision to compare the streets of Hong Kong and Sheffield. Cheung, who moved to Sheffield with her family in July 2021, found the street names strikingly similar to those in Hong Kong, igniting her curiosity to explore the historical significance behind them. With a background in communal art projects in Hong Kong, she identified Harcourt Road as a starting point for research, aiming to bridge cultural connections and highlight the similarities between the neighborhoods in both cities.
Cheung shared a heartwarming anecdote about a local elderly resident named Penny on Harcourt Road, who passed away a few years ago but was known for her community activism. The neighborhood desires to honor her memory by naming a crosswalk after her and holding a commemorative ceremony, symbolizing the dedication and unity needed for community development and historical preservation.
Reflecting on her experiences, Cheung emphasized the importance of community engagement and understanding local histories, regardless of geographical locations. She believes that every community’s progress relies on the collective efforts of its residents, showcasing the power of unity and dedication in effecting positive change.
The Harcourt Road Mobile Museum exhibition details can be found at https://harcourtroad.co.uk/.