Plato Chan was born X Chan on March 14, 1930 in Manhattan, New York City according to the New York, New York Birth Index at Ancestry.com. His name was linked to the discovery of Planet X which was announced on March 13. The planet was named Pluto on May 1, 1930. The Daily Herald (London, England), March 28, 1938 said
Chan’s parents, Crane Chan and Chih-Yi Feng, were diplomats. They were aboard the ship Alaunia when it departed Cherbourg, France on November 17, 1928. Ten days later they arrived at New York City. Their destination was the Chinese Consulate. According to the manifest, both were born in “Kungkurj”, China. He was 28 (1900) and she 22 (1906). Also named in the manifest was Crane’s father, Cho Ming Chan, who resided at 23 Connaught Road, Hong Kong.
Three weeks later, Chan’s sister, Christina, was born on December 17, 1928 in New York City. The New York Episcopal Church Record, at Ancestry.com, said she was baptized on March 30, 1929 at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. The register had her parents’ names as Stephen and Elizabeth Chan.
Chan was just over a month old when the 1930 United States Census was enumerated on April 17. His name was recorded as John (line 23). The family lived in Manhattan at 420 West 119th Street.
Born in the year of the discovery of the new planet X, he was registered as X pending its naming.Chan did not have a middle name but two names had been associated with the letter X: first was Xumm in the Birmingham Post, December 21, 1939, and second was Xenophon in The New Yorker, October 23, 1943; The New York Times, March 17, 1944; and New York Daily News, March 21, 1944.
When the astronomers called it Pluto, his horrified parents changed the u to a.
Chan’s parents, Crane Chan and Chih-Yi Feng, were diplomats. They were aboard the ship Alaunia when it departed Cherbourg, France on November 17, 1928. Ten days later they arrived at New York City. Their destination was the Chinese Consulate. According to the manifest, both were born in “Kungkurj”, China. He was 28 (1900) and she 22 (1906). Also named in the manifest was Crane’s father, Cho Ming Chan, who resided at 23 Connaught Road, Hong Kong.
Three weeks later, Chan’s sister, Christina, was born on December 17, 1928 in New York City. The New York Episcopal Church Record, at Ancestry.com, said she was baptized on March 30, 1929 at the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. The register had her parents’ names as Stephen and Elizabeth Chan.
Chan was just over a month old when the 1930 United States Census was enumerated on April 17. His name was recorded as John (line 23). The family lived in Manhattan at 420 West 119th Street.
Christina’s obituary, in the Ithaca Journal (New York), revealed the family’s early history.
... In 1933, after the birth of Christina’s younger brother Plato, the family moved to Hamburg, Germany, where her father was posted. Christina still remembers the day, as a little girl, when her family watched a loud Nazi march, with thousands of people raising their arms to salute Hitler. ... [At Ancestry.com, a manifest listed Yat Kwong Chan, C. Y. Chan, Christina Chan and Plato Chan as passengers on the ship Deutschland that departed Hamburg on July 15, 1933. They were bound for Antwerp.]
... A few years later, her father was assigned to Paris. Those early times were glamorous ones for Christina’s family. Her parents were a dashing couple, and the family lived in an apartment overlooking the Bois du Boulogne, a sprawling park near the 16th arrondissement. Her parents hired a chef and hosted evening soirees with diplomats and artists. ...
[Chan’s art career, from 1938 to 1944, will be covered farther down.]
... In 1938, as invasion by the German army loomed, the family moved to London. ...
... Her father returned to Paris, and thereafter was unable to rejoin them because of the war. Christina, Plato and her mother lived in a rooming house in Kensington, where as the weeks wore on, and finances became tighter, the family moved to the higher, cheaper rooms. They often were awakened in the night by German bombing raids and had to scramble down into the London Underground for safety. Later, Christina’s family moved out to the country to avoid the bombing, ...
In the early 1940s, since she and Plato were American citizens, they were able to get spots on one of the last USO boats evacuating children to the United States. On that treacherous ocean passage, Christina remembers all the lights being extinguished at sunset, and the children being told to keep quiet, so as not to attract U-boats trolling the seas for Allied ships to sink. [Chan, his mother and sister were passengers on the USAT Monterey. The vessel departed Gourock, Scotland on July 18, 1942 and arrived in New York nine days later.]
She was 13 when they started a new life in New York City. They were helped then by her uncle Ambassador C.T. Feng. The Chans found a small apartment on the Upper West Side, and her mother persuaded Horace Mann-Lincoln school to let Christina and her brother enroll on scholarship. ...
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On November 22, 1947, Chan was scheduled to draw for children at the Boys and Girls Book Fair in New York City according to The New York Times. The fair was also covered by the Chicago Tribune and Daily Sentinel (Grand Junction, Colorado).
In 1948 Chan graduated Horace Mann-Lincoln School. (He and his sister were students of Alice Checkovitz Mahoney.)
In 1948 Chan graduated Horace Mann-Lincoln School. (He and his sister were students of Alice Checkovitz Mahoney.)
Lincolnian yearbook
The New York Times, November 19, 1950, said Chan gave a chalk talk at the American Museum of Natural History’s education hall during the fourth annual Boys’ and Girls’ Book Fair.
Chan and Christina were registered voters in Manhattan. He was a Republican and she a Democrat.
Christina attended Barnard College. The 1952 Mortarboard yearbook included a list of the Class of 1951: Christina Chih Lung Chan, 160 Claremont Avenue, New York 27, New York.
Chan was a student at Columbia College (now Columbia University) and graduated in 1952.
At some point, he continued his education at Yale University. The 1955 New Haven, Connecticut city directory listed Chan as a student at 36 Brownell Street. He was listed in the Bulletin of Yale University, Volume 53, Issue 2, 1957.
Manning’s Ithaca (New York) Directory 1984 listed Chan and his mother at 115 Christopher Circle (page 94). Chan’s sister, Christina Wu, and her family, Ray, Albert and Alice, lived at 111 Christopher Circle (page 233).
The date and location of Chan’s marriage to Anne Khu is not known. She was an ophthalmologist. They settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 1987 Annual Report listed them as donors.
Chan’s mother, who was naturalized on April 16, 1962, passed away on September 30, 1993. Her obituary appeared October 2, 1993 in the Ithaca Journal and Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York).
A funeral notice for Chan appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, January 20, 2006.
Manning’s Ithaca (New York) Directory 1984 listed Chan and his mother at 115 Christopher Circle (page 94). Chan’s sister, Christina Wu, and her family, Ray, Albert and Alice, lived at 111 Christopher Circle (page 233).
The date and location of Chan’s marriage to Anne Khu is not known. She was an ophthalmologist. They settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts 1987 Annual Report listed them as donors.
Chan’s mother, who was naturalized on April 16, 1962, passed away on September 30, 1993. Her obituary appeared October 2, 1993 in the Ithaca Journal and Post-Standard (Syracuse, New York).
A funeral notice for Chan appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, January 20, 2006.
Chan, Plato, on Jan. 18, 2008 [sic]. Beloved husband of Dr. Anne K. (nee Khu) Cham [sic]. Brother of Christina Wu. He studied at Columbia and Yale. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service Saturday, 1 P.M. at Holy Communion Church, 2110 Chestnut St., Phila. where friends may call from 12:30 P.M. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Doctors Without Borders, 333 7th Ave., 2nd Fl, New York, NY 10001-5004. www.wetzelandson.comThe Social Security Death Index said his wife died on October 27, 2010. The mausoleum plaque, at the Manila Chinese Cemetery, had 28 as the day of death. Chan’s sister died on September 27, 2021.
Plato Chan, Artist 1938–1944
The Second Sino-Japanese War began in mid-1937. China looked to other countries for support. The Chinese Embassy in Paris recognized Plato Chan’s artistic talent as a way to raise funds for China. Plans were made for events in Paris and England. From 1938 to 1944, Chan’s artistic career was covered by publications in France, England, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada and the United States.
1938
Daily Herald (London, England), March 28, 1938
Plato X Thinks in Pictures
Plato X Thinks in Pictures
photograph of Chan and Christina, three drawings
L’Oeuvre (Paris, France), April 1, 1938
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L’Oeuvre (Paris, France), April 1, 1938
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Sunday, April 10, 1938, at 8:45 p.m.: Grand Gala, during which the young Chinese artist Plato X. Chan (7 years old) will create drawings in public. The program will be announced at a later date.Ce soir (Paris, France), April 3, 1938 and here
L’Oeuvre, April 5, 1938
L’Oeuvre, April 14, 1938
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Today, Thursday, April 14, at 4:00 p.m.: Grand Gala in aid of Chinese and Spanish children, during which the young Chinese artist Plato X Chan (7 years old) will create drawings in public, assisted by Christina (9 years old)—who will perform dances—and by Chinese artists from Chinese organizations in Paris. — Address by Mrs. Tamin: “If All the Children of the World Could Hold Hands.”Le Petit Provençal, June 2 1938
Chicago Defender (Illinois), October 22, 1938
Chinese Boy 7 Years of Age Expert ArtistThe above article also appeared in the St. Croix Avis (Christiansted, Virgin Islands, USA), December 22, 1938.
Wonder Child Is Son of Attache at China’s Paris Embassy
London, Oct. 21—The world’s latest wonder child is the son of a Chinese attache in Paris. He is Plato X. Chan, paying a visit to England this week end with his parents, to visit his sister, Christina.
This placid, almond-eyed child of seven, can provide a political cartoon on any of them within four or five minutes. He can also turn out some amazing symbolic paintings in oil, in addition to any number of black-and-white impressions.
He startled the world with his sketches and paintings. He is also a linguist, speaking English, French, Italian and Chinese. But he is not anxious to talk in any of these languages, preferring to “talk” with pencil and brush.
When at an interview, he was asked, “What do think of the political situation today?” he swallowed his last piece of bread and butter, cocked one leg over the other, and, having busied himself with pen, ink and paper for five minutes, handed over a sketch. It represented the “big four” settling the business of Czechoslovakia over mugs of Munich beer and a dish labelled “Prague.”
Here was an astounding caricature of Chamberlain, a Union Jack in the froth of his beer mug. Hitler, a swastika in his, Daladier seen with more perception than benevolence, Mussolini’s shaven head and globular eye opening a wide and rapacious mouth for his share of the meal. “Plato has never had a drawing lesson,” his mother said. “He started to draw when he was 18 months old.”
Armidale Express (New South Wales, Australia), October 24, 1938
The Left News, No. 31, November 1938
China Mail (Hong Kong), November 18, 1938
Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune (Ontario, Canada), November 21, 1938
Wonder ChildThe above article also appeared in Geraldton Guardian (Western Australia, Australia), October 25, 1938; Singleton Argus (New South Wales, Australia), October 28, 1938; The Advocate (Burnie, Tasmania, Australia), November 4, 1938; West Coast Sentinel (Streaky Bay, South Australia, Australia), November 4, 1938; The Queenslander (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia), November 16, 1938; Evening News (Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia), December 17, 1938; Daily Mercury (Mackay, Queensland, Australia), December 27, 1938; Townsville Daily Bulletin (Queensland, Australia), December 29, 1938; Northern Miner (Charters Tower, Queensland, Australia), December 30, 1938.
Aged 7, Draws Political Cartoons
Artistic World Startled
(From a Special Correspondent. By Air Mail.)
London, October 8.
A 7-years-old Chinese boy, whose political cartoons have caused a sensation in the art world, has come to London. He is Plato X Chan, son of the Chinese attache in Paris, and he can produce a political cartoon on any subject within 4 or 5 minutes.
Plato, who is paying his first visit to England with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Yat-Kwong Chan, and his sister, Christina, can also turn out symbolic paintings in oil as well as black-and-white impressions.
Plato speaks English, French, Italian, Chinese and American, but prefers to “talk” with pencil and brush.
“What do you thing of the political situation to-day?” he was asked this week. For answer he busied himself with pen, ink and paper for five minutes and produced a sketch. It showed the “big four” representatives settling the business of Czechoslovakia over mugs of Munich beer and a dish labelled “Prague.”
Here was an astounding caricature of Chamberlain, a Union Jack in the froth of his beer mug. Hitler, a swastika in his. Daladier seen with more perception than benevolence, Mussolini’s shaven head globular eyes opening a wide and rapacious mouth for his share of the meal.
“Plato has never had drawing lesson,” said his smiling mother. “He started to draw when he was 18 months old. He just draws whatever he sees or hears.[”]
The Left News, No. 31, November 1938
Chinese ExhibitionMorning Tribune (Singapore), November 8, 1938
An exhibition will be held, from November 29th to January 14th, at the Cooling Galleries, 92 New Bond Street, London, W.I. of remarkable paintings and drawings by Plato X. Chan who is only eight years old—this being the work which he has done since he was three. The proceeds will go to the International Peace Hospital in China. The exhibition will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (excluding Sundays), and the price of admission will be 1s.
Chinese Boy “Talks” with BrushThe above article also appeared in the Sunday Times (Perth, Western Australia, Australia), November 13, 1938
The world’s latest wonder child is placid almond-eyed Plato X. Chan, who can provide you with a political cartoon on any theme you care to mention within four or five minutes, writes Reynolds [missing text] ndent.
He can also turn out some amazing symbolic paintings in oil, to say nothing of any number of black-and-white images. And that, you must agree, isn’t bad for the age of seven!
Speaks Many Languages
Little Plato, who speaks English, French, Italian, Chinese—and American is not anxious to converse in any of those languages. He prefers to “talk” with pencil and brush.
“What do you think of the political situation today?” I asked, for Plato’s air of serene benevolent wisdom discourages frivolous questions.
For answer, he swallowed his last piece of bead and butter, cocked one leg over the other, and having busied himself with pen, ink and paper for five minutes, handed me a sketch.
It represented the “big four” representatives settling the business of Czecho-Slovakia over mugs of Munich beer and a dish labelled “Prague.”
Astounding Caricature
Here was an astounding caricature of Chamberlain, a Union Jack in the froth of his beer mug. Hitler, a swastika in his, Daladier seen with more perception than benevolence, Mussolini’s shaven head and globular eye opening a wide and rapacious mouth for his share of the meal.
“Plato has never had a drawing lesson” said his smiling mother. “He started to draw when he was 18 months old. He just draws whatever he or hears.”
On his own initiative, Plato has been raising money for Chinese and Spanish refugee children by the sale of drawings and paintings. Some of his works, including a large mural representing the history of the Chinese Republic, may shortly be shown in London.
China Mail (Hong Kong), November 18, 1938
Art Show by Boy of EightThe above article also appeared in the Times and South Staffordshire Advertiser (Rugeley, England), November 19, 1938
London, Nov. 8.
An eight-year-old Chinese boy who shows remarkable skill and maturity as a painter is to hold an exhibition of his work in London on November 29.
He is Plato Chan and his exhibition will be opened by Mr. Quo, the Chinese Ambassador. Plato has already held a successful exhibition in Paris.
He was born in New York, and at the age of three was taken to Germany, and from there to Paris, where his father, Mr. Yat-Kwong Chan, is an Attaché at the Chinese Legation.
Plato began to paint at the age of 18 months! One of his pictures—of hippopotami—was painted when he was three. It will be shown at the exhibition.
Hitler, Mussolini
His work shows a strong leaning towards caricature. He depicts Hitler, Mussolini, Neville Chamberlain (fishing), and many others in a great circus of political personalities.
Others of his pictures show the influence of Blake and Walt Disney, and all are painted or drawn with his left hand.
Plato is unaffected by success. He talks but little.
The profits from his exhibition, which is being held at the Cooling Galleries in New Bond Street, will go to the International Peace Hospital in China. The show itself is under the auspices of the China Medical Relief Fund.
Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune (Ontario, Canada), November 21, 1938
Art of Little ChineseCumberland Evening News (Carlisle, England), November 24, 1938
London, (CP)—Plato Chan, eight-year-old Chinese boy painter, will hold an exhibition of his work here November 29. Born at New York, he was taken to Germany and then Paris where his father is an attache of the Chinese legation.
Eight-Year-Old Artist.Daily Herald (London, England), November 24, 1938
In his little painting smock of pink linen, baggy trousers of brown tweed, white socks and black shoes, Plato Chan, an eight-year-old artist, faced four cameramen with amiable composure at the Chinese Institute in Gower Street yesterday (writes the “Yorkshire Post” correspondent). He is the son of Yat-kwong Chan, an attache at the Chinese Legation in Paris, and the Chinese Ambassador in London is to open a show of his work next week at the Cooling Gallery in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China. Plate has already helped the cause by exhibiting in Paris this Summer. His mother tells me that his shows are the outcome of his own entreaty to be allowed to “do some little thing for the friends at home.” The boy is known as Plato on account of his meditative attitude to life, even in infancy. “He concentrates,” said Madame Chan. “He never begins anything and without finishing it.” His father, a singer, his mother, a poet, have provided Plato with his own studio, where he enjoys the companionship of his only sister, Christina, a nine-year-old ballerina who receives daily dancing lessons from Russian tutors.
Artist, Aged 8, Gives ShowDaily Telegraph (London, England), November 28, 1938
“Draw a picture for my readers,” I asked young Plato X Chan, eight-year-old prodigy, who has been hailed as a genius in London and Paris, and is now going to exhibit his pictures in London.
Plato, giggling shyly, sucked the ivory handle of his drawing pen, then looked at his nine-year-old sister Christina.
She nodded, and he then began to draw “anything he liked.”
Like thousands of other boys, Plato is thinking a lot about Father Christmas just now.
He knows that his father, a young attache at the Chinese Legation in Paris, is not rich enough to buy him all the things he would like to find in his stocking on Christmas morning. So he makes believe they are coming his way by making drawings of them.
Likes Crowds
“Oh dear,” said his young father as he watched an amusing drawing of Father Christmas riding a toy-laden sleigh taking shape under his son’s small left hand.
Young Plato was not perturbed by the score of strangers who were craning their necks to see him at work.
“He can draw before the biggest crowds,” his father said. He did political cartoons before thousands of people in a Paris theatre.”
Plato draws with his left hand. He has a lively sense of humour and gives childish little giggles when he puts something funny in his drawings.
Relief Effort
When other small boys m make a blot on their copy books they don’t know what to do about it.
Plato is not like that. He turned a blot on one of his pictures into a crow sitting on a mountain peak.
His parents have brought him to London for an exhibition of his drawings and paintings which will be held at the Cooling Galleries, Ltd., New Bond-street, from November 29 till January 14.
He has made hundreds of pounds for relief funds collected to help women and children suffering because of the wars in China and Spain.
Playwrights’ ClubEvening Standard (London, England), November 28, 1938
A Chinese Legend Dramatised
At the Phœnix last night the Playwrights’ Club presented “The Love of Ming-Y,” dramatised by Mary Basil Hall from a Chinese tale translated by Lafcadio Hearn.
The Chinese manner has its quaint charm, but it rapidly grows tiresome. It has the disadvantage, to Western minds, of making one play very much like another, because too much attention is concentrated on manner and too little on matter.
However, Gwen Ffrangcon-Davies took the chance to give a performance as a spirit-lady who haunted a forest, Brian Coleman was acceptable as the young man who loved her, Bruce Winston was very funny as a Chinese aristocrat with the voice and general air of a tom-cat, and Alan Wheatley was excellent as a narrator.
Before the play we had some genuine Chinese dances by Ai Lien Tai, a very graceful young lady, and some clever lightning sketches by a very small boy, Plato Chan. The occasion was in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China, for which Gordon Harker made an and Victor Gollancz took up a collection.
Boy of Eight Holds Art Show
Plato Chan, an eight-year-old Chinese boy who draws and paints with his left hand, hanging one of his paintings at the Cooling Galleries, New Bond-street, where an exhibition of his works will be opened to-morrow by the Chinese Ambassador. The boy, who shows exceptional talent, has been painting since he was 18 months old. He is the son of an official at the Chinese Embassy.
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Daily Mercury (Mackay, Queensland, Australia), November 29, 1938
The London Mercury, December 1938
Hongkong Telegraph, December 7, 1938
Chinese Boy Painter.North-Western Daily Mail (Millom, Cumbria, England), November 29, 1938
Began When Eighteen Months Old.
London, Nov. 12 (by Air Mail)—Londoners are looking forward with interest, and not a little curiosity, to an exhibition of the art work of an 8-year-old Chinese boy who shows remarkable skill and maturity.
He is Plato Chan, his exhibition will be opened on November 29 by Mr. Quo, the Chinese Ambassador. Plato has already held a successful exhibition in Paris.
He was born in New York, and at the age of three years was taken to Germany and from there to Paris, where his father, Mr. Yat-Kwong Chan, is an Attache at the Chinese Legation.
Plato began to paint at the age of 18 months. One of his pictures of hippopotamuses—was painted when he was three. It will be shown at the exhibition.
His work shows a strong leaning towards caricature. He depicts Hitler, Mussolini, Neville Chamberlain (fishing), and many others in a great circus of political personalities.
Eight-Year-Old Plato.China Mail (Hong Kong), November 30, 1938
The most boosted artist in Bond-street is 8-years-old Plato Chan, son of a Chinese diplomat, who has two rooms devoted to his efforts from the age of 3 onwards (writes the London Correspondent of the “Yorkshire Observer”).
Precociously political, young Plato has the best caricature of Leon Blum I have ever seen, the French ex-Premier sitting in a baby chair among nursery toys, and a savage cartoon of the axis, showing Hitler, Mussolini, and a Japanese war lord, “fishing the world” from an aeroplane while Mr. Chamberlain and others look on. Moulin Rouge are equally Plato’s meat.
But he had an access of modesty when it came to painting Christ. He left a blank for the face and hands, “I do not really know what he looked like,” he confessed. The pictures are brightly coloured, lively, and full of invention.
Eight-Year-Old Chinese Surprises Art CriticsHongkong Telegraph, November 30, 1938
Bond Street Exhibition in China’s Cause
Plato Chan’s Satire as Caricaturist
London, To-day.
Plato Chan, eight-year-old-Chinese artist, has astonished leading art critics in London. Mr. Quo Tai-chi, the Chinese Ambassador to London, opened an exhibition of Plato Chan’s work at Bond Street
Art critics who were present expressed an agreed opinion that Plato Chan’s drawings and paintings show vigour, imagination and firmness of outline far beyond his years.
The young artist is a son of a member of the Chinese diplomatic corps, gave an exhibition of skill in drawing proved very popular.
Among the favourite objects of his satire as a caricaturist were Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini and several Japanese Generals.
Mr. Quo Tai-chi said that Plato Chan was not only a good artist, but a good citizen of China since all the proceeds of the exhibition would be devoted to help China in her unparalleled and undeserved suffering.—Reuter.
8-Year-Old Chinese Artist Wins AcclaimThe above article also appeared in the Hongkong Daily Press, December 1, 1938.
London, Nov. 29.
Plato Chan, an eight-year-old-Chinese artist, has astonished leading art critics in London.
To-day Mr. Quo Tai-chi, the Chinese Ambassador to London, opened an exhibition in Bond Street of his drawings and paintings, at which the critics agreed that the work shows vigour, imagination and firmness of outline, far beyond his years.
Chan, who is the son of a member of the Chinese Diplomatic Corps, gave a display at the exhibition of his skill in drawing, which proved very popular.
Among the favourite objects of his satire as a caricaturist were Herr Hitler, Signor Mussolini and several Japanese generals.
Mr. Quo Tai-chi said that Plato Chan was not only an artist of high power, but a good citizen of China, since all the proceeds of the exhibition were to be devoted to help China in her unparalleled and undeserved suffering.—Reuter.
The London Mercury, December 1938
Plato Chan, at the Cooling GalleriesThe above article also appeared in The New Statesman and Nation, December 3, 1938.
Plato Chan is a Chinese boy aged eight. His gift for painting is delightful, though it will not astonish those that know the pictures now being produced in the elementary schools of London. Although he has never been to China, his vision has evidently been shaped by living among Chinese objects: not only in his large oil-painting, Welcome to China, but in his drawings of Mickey Mouse (which are incomparably more elegant than Mr. Disney’s), there is no mistaking the artist’s nationality. His subjects include ski-ing, the Moulin Rouge, cowboys, the Dictators, the Madonna and the Crucifixion. He is usually at his most brilliant when painting animals in movement, but a picture, “After Seeing Some works of Michel Angelo,” is a most unexpected and curious success. May we recommend Mr. Chan to publishers as an illustrator for children’s books? He has taste, humour and a nice sense of the primary colours. A picture by his sister of dolls also shows talents. This charming exhibition is for the benefit of the International Peace Hospital in China. …
Hongkong Telegraph, December 7, 1938
Amazing Child ArtistThe Sketch (London, England), December 7, 1938
8-Year-Old Chinese Astounds Critics
As reported in the Telegraph on November 30, Plato Chan, the son of a member of the Chinese Embassy in London, gave an exhibition of painting in London on November 29, which drew the applause, as well as the astonishment of the leading critics.
The following details about the eight-year-old artist are given in a recent issue of the London News-Chronicle.
He was born in New York, and at the age of three was taken to Germany, and from there to Paris where his father, Mr. Yat-kwong Chan, is an Attache at the Chinese Legation.
Plato began to paint at the age go 18 months! One of his pictures—of hippopotami—was pinned when he was three. It will be shown at the exhibition.
His work shows a strong leaning towards caricature. He depicts Hitler, Mussolini, Neville Chamberlain (fishing), and many others in a great circus of political personalities.
Others of his pictures show the influence of Blake and Walt Disney, and all are painted or drawn with his left hand.
Plato is unaffected by success. He talks but little.
The profits from his exhibition, which was held at the Cooling Galleries in New Bond Street, will go to the International Peace Hospital in China. The show itself was under the auspices of the China Medical Relief Fund.
Plato Chan—for holding a one-man show at the age of eight, and having six and a half years of artistic experience behind him.
H.E. the Chinese Ambassador opened the exhibition of paintings by Plato X. Chan, the eight-year-old left-handed artist-son of Yat-Kwong-Chan, an attaché at the Chinese Legation in Paris, at the Cooling Gallery. Plato began to draw at the age of eighteen months, and is self-taught. He is so unselfconscious that he has been filmed at work.
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What Every Woman Wants to KnowCountry Life (England), December 10, 1938
The Chinese Ambassador opened the exhibition of work by little Plato X. Chan at the Cooling Gallery. It is in aid of the new International Peace Hospital in China.
Plato, small, intelligent and eight-year-old artist, is the son of Yat-Kwang [sic] Chan, an attaché at the Chinese Legation in Paris. He was born in New York, spent three years in Germany and the rest of his life in Paris. Naturally, the influence of the last capital is reflected in his drawings, which are full of brilliance, high spirits and gaiety. They are bright in colour, very mouvementé, and show traces of Indian perspective and also of the satiric touch of French caricature. This amazing child started to draw at the age of eighteen months, and is self-taught. His lines are fluent, and with his left hand he will sketch in front of you, his imagination flowing like a stream. Lord Listowel, who wrote the foreword to the catalogue, thanked H.E. Mr. Quo Tai Chi for opening the show. Several of the works have been bought, but Plato X. won’t always sell. If you want to acquire his favourite picture, he may regret to disappoint you but will decide to keep the painting.
Woman to WomanEvening News (Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia), December 17, 1938
Painting at Eight Years Old—Plato Chan’s Achievement
There is a very fascinating and unusual exhibition on at the Cooling Galleries, 92, New Bond Street, which will continue into January and which it would be a pity for anyone to miss who had time to go. Incidentally, it is in aid of a very moving cause, the International Peace Hospital in China, serving a huge unprovided area where thousands of sick and wounded have been without surgeons or nurses; but that, to me, is not the point. My point is that you will enjoy the exhibition itself, because it is both very impressive and the greatest fun. And if you are tired of taking the children to the Zoo and the cinema, take them with you to this for a change. They’ll love it. For the artist is a child of eight, a Chinese boy named Plato Chan.
There is a room containing his oil paintings, and these are the finest works and should, I think, be looked at first, to rid oneself of any lingering feeling that it is a joke and rather cheek to ask you to pay to see pictures by an eight year old child. This is no joke—though actually many of the pictures, and especially of the earlier (!) drawings and water-colours in the next room, are deliberate jokes. For the artist has a lively sense of the ludicrous and of caricature; he also shows sometimes how inspiring and interesting he finds Walt Disney. His colour sense is terrific (see the large, skilful composition, “Welcome to China”); but his greatest gift, it seems to me, is movement. This is just what one would expect to appeal to a child, but it is also just what children generally fail to express. However, perhaps I should have said that his greatest gift is originality. He has force also; see his surprising “After seeing some works of Michelangelo.” And please, please, see my own small favourite picture, “Madonna from another World.” It has enormous charm.
Wizard of Pen Aged SevenLa Correspondance Internationale, December 24, 1938
The world’s latest wonder child is placid almond-eyed Plato X. Chan, who can provide you with a political cartoon on any theme you care to mention within four or five minutes.
He can also turn out some amazing symbolic paintings in oil, to say nothing of any number of black-and-white impressions. And that, you must agree, isn’t bad for the age of seven!
Plato is the son of a Chinese attache in Paris. And it is no exaggeration to say that he startled the artistic world with his sketches and paintings.
He paid his first visit to England recently with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Yat-Kwong Chan, and his sister Christina.
Little Plato, who speaks English, French, Italian, Chinese and American—is not anxious to converse in any of those languages. He prefers to “talk” with pencil and brush.
“What do you think of the political situation today?” I asked, for Plato’s air of serene benevolent wisdom discourages frivolous questions.
For answer, he swallowed his last piece of bead and butter, cocked one leg over the other, and having busied himself with pen, ink and paper for five minutes, handed the inquirer a sketch.
It represented the “big four” representatives settling the business of Czechoslovakia over mugs of Munich beer and a dish labelled “Prague.”
Here was an astounding caricature of Chamberlain, a Union Jack in the froth of his beer mug. Hitler, a swastika in his, Daladier seen with more perception than benevolence, Mussolini’s shaven head and globular eye opening a wide and rapacious mouth for his share of the meal, says a representative of “Reynolds News.”
“Plato has never had a drawing lesson” said his smiling little mother. “He started to draw when he was 18 months old. He just draws whatever he or hears.”
On his own initiative, Plato has been raising money for Chinese and Spanish refugee children by the sale of drawings and paintings.
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Aid to China During the Christmas Holidays
China’s English friends are vastly intensifying their efforts during the Christmas season—both to ensure an effective boycott of the Japanese aggressor and to provide massive material aid to the Chinese people.
From November 29 to January 14, an exhibition of works by child prodigy Plato Chan is taking place in London for the benefit of the International Hospital in China.
On December 19th, a magnificent Chinese ball was held, organized by the China Aid Committee; Chinese children danced there, and the young painter Plato Chan sketched portraits, while the food and drinks served at supper were Chinese. ...
Country Life (England), December 24, 1938
A Chinese Fashion in Names
I have just met a Chinese scholar, and I happened to mention to him the pictures of the little eight year old Chinese boy Plato Chan—on view at the Cooling Gallery in aid of hospital work in China—of which I have already written on this page. After we discussed this very interesting exhibition I asked him whether Plato was quite a usual kind of first name for a Chinese. He told me something about Chinese names which I had no idea of and think rather pleasing.
There was a tremendous intellectual movement among the intelligentsia in China, of which Darwin and Huxley were the prophets. The youths who were part of it adopted new “modern” names in place of their traditional ones. My friend could well remember how, when he was about twelve, his elder brother said to him:
“Now what shall we call you? It is high time that we abandoned your old traditional name and chose a modern one for you.”
The young men of the movement would not only name themselves after Huxley and Darwin and their associates, but after matters with which they were connected. These are in China to-day two generals whose surnames I cannot remember (let say that they are Pang and Yen-loo), but whose first names are unforgettable. Actually the first names would not sound any different to us from ordinary traditional names if we heard them spoken in Chinese. But translated, they are as follows: General Survival-of-the-fittest Yen-loo and General Natural-selection Pang.
They are rather appropriate names for generals—especially the first, with its simple, brutal directness!
The London Mercury, January 1939
The exhibition of paintings by Plato Chan, the eight-year-old Chinese boy, held at the Cooling Galleries, 92 New Bond Street, in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China, will be continued during this month. There will also be an exhibition of decorative pictures.
Cambridge Evening News (England), January 3, 1939
Plato Chan ExhibitionNorth-China Herald (Shanghai), January 4, 1939
The Plato Chan Exhibition of Paintings and Drawings, which is being held at the Cooling Galleries, 92, New Bond-street, on behalf of the International Peace Hospital in China, will remain open until January 14th. The child Plato is seen at work at the exhibition in the mornings and afternoons. Nearly 2,000 people have visited the exhibition and already a cheque for £200 has been sent to the hospital.
Chinese Artist in London Show
London, Nov. 30.
Plato Chan, eight-year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Yat Kwong-chan [sic], of the Chinese diplomatic service, is the wonder of London. At the age of eighteen months he seized a pencil and began to draw. He has gone on drawing ever since, entirely from his own promptings, with never a master, and with ever-increasing vivacity and skill. Then he took to the paint brush, and although in this respect the need of lesson in technique is more apparent, he evidently has a fine sense of colour and its harmonies, and shows none of the garishness common among children when first begin to paint.
An exhibition of his paintings and drawings, all the proceeds of which will go to the China Campaign Committee’s International Peace Hospital in China, was opened by the Chinese Ambassador before a crowded assembly and the perpetual flashing of Press photographer’s flashlights.
At Work and at Play
In one corner of the room little Chan went drawing unconcernedly. He paid no attention to the visitors who pressed round to watch. In spite of the notice taken of him, he is quite unspoilt.
He draws with his left hand, very quickly and with a decision and sureness amazing in such a child.
Perhaps the most remarkable feature of his pictures is that one looks at them, not with that sort of tolerance unusually given to child prodigies, but with real pleasure. Everything that he sees prompts him to a picture; for example a large painting of horses coming over a hedge was the outcome of a visit to the races at Auteuil—it is full of life and movement.
Another the [misplaced text] His sense for composition is extra-[misplaced text] apotheosis of Dr. Sun Yai-Sen, show Dr. Sun seated in front of a temple. [misplaced text] ordinary. Caricaturing is a favourite pursuit of Chan’s, there are many samples most noticeably an aeroplane from which Hitler, Mussolini and a Japanese general are dropping down grappling irons to enchain the globe. No one knows where he got the idea. But his imagination is rampant. His father told me that, if a subject is suggested to him, he is never content till he has presented it in nine or ten different ways.
Whether Plato will go on to become a great artist, or whether he will drop painting altogether, who can say? Meanwhile it is appending what “The Times” art critic says today:—
Apart from its most worthy object, the International Peace Hospital in China, everybody—children in particular—ought to see the exhibition at the Cooling Galleries, of paintings and drawings by Plato Chan. The general effect of the exhibition is to show that children are pretty much the same all the world over.
If there be a broad general difference it is that Plato is more consistently childlike than most in his tastes and interests. This at once gives to the exhibition a special sphere, entirely free from any but technical precocity.
Presumably Plato had the usual training in calligraphy of the Chinese boy, but it only tells in an unusual command of his implements. He is a left-handed draughtsman, and apparently he can begin a picture at any point, and “write it off” until he has realized his conception, when he stops and turns to the next. He has both imagination and invention, and, best of all, a great sense of fun. In the matter of subject he is completely unprejudiced, turning with equal zest from “Tap Dancing” to “Red Indians” and from “Father Christmas” (after Walt Disney) to “Mariners Ashore.”
Several of the subjects are religious, and they indicate a delicate reserve. Thus, in the oil painting of “Christ” the face and hands are left blank—a good hint to modern religious painters, who generally put the emphasis upon sentimental facial expression. Except where Chinese motives are used, as in “Welcome to China,” which puts all the cards on the table, and “Mother of China,” native character comes out only in the general form of the picture, particularly in the studies of figures and animals in rapid movement, such as “Seven Wild Ponies,” “Five Deer,” and the truly remarkable drawing, made at the age of five, of “Force, Balance and a Skating Horse.”
A pleasing character in the exhibition is the absence of any suggestion that Plato is being forced as an artistic prodigy. He is just left to entertain himself in his chosen occupation, and the results constitute a delightful experience.
Central Queensland Herald (Rockhampton, Australia), January 12, 1939
Art Show by 8-Year-Old Chinese
Plato Chan, eight-year-old Chinese boy, who draws and paints with his left hand, and who is holding an exhibition at the Cooling Galleries, London, hanging his paintings at the galleries. Palto was born in New York. His work shows a strong leaning toward caricature.
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Daily Echo (Bournemouth, Dorset, England), January 21, 1939
For Chinese Medical Relief.
Afternoon Tea Function at the Pavilion.
In the Popular Restaurant at the Pavilion, Bournemouth, next Thursday, an afternoon tea, organised by the Bournemouth China Campaign Committee, will be held from 4 p.m. to 6. pm in aid of Chinese medical relief.
The speakers will be Miss Helena Kuo, a learned lecturer, who has broadcast on several occasions and has been televised; and Mr. R. J. Davidson, vice-president of the China Campaign Committee, who has lived nearly all his life in China as teacher and missionary.
There will also be shown drawings by Plato Chan, a Chinese child artist, who is now in England. He is only eight years of age; recently an exhibition of his work was held in London. Admission is 1/-, and the hon. secretary is Mrs. Sybil Keyes, 10 Queen’s Park-avenue, Bournemouth.
Maitland Daily Mercury (Maitland, New South Wales, Australia), February 1, 1939
Child Prodigy
Chinese Boy Artist
London Exhibition
Plato Chan, aged eight, the Chinese child prodigy, must be the youngest artist who has ever held, in Bond-street, an important one-boy show, containing twenty-one oil paintings and seventy-three drawings.
Also for his age another record will be hard to beat, that of the four hundred visitors who cheerfully paid their shilling entrance fees towards the International Peace Hospital for China, to which all the proceeds are being devoted.
Little Plato started drawing at the age of eighteen months, the “Observer” states, and the curiously international quality of his work is underlined by the fact that the earliest dated drawing is “Moulin Rouge (girl’s face Christina.)” This was drawn at three, Christina Chan being two years older Chan her brother. Thus Plato learned to draw simultaneously with speech. With him drawing is not Art, is it a language.
Bolton Evening News (England), February 2, 1939
Chinese Art for Aid to China
From February, 6th until February 18th there is to be an exhibition of remarkable paintings and drawings done by an eight-years-old Chinese genius, Plato Chan. The exhibition, which is to be held at 42, Deansgate, Manchester, has just had a most successful six weeks in a gallery in Bond-st., London, and has had many excellent reports in “The Times,” the “Manchester Guardian,” the “Daily Telegraph,” and other well-known papers.
Plato will be present at the exhibition, and will do caricatures and lightning sketches (it is said that he does a very amusing one of Mr. Chamberlain). He is a charming little fellow, and deserves to be encouraged in his efforts to help his suffering countrymen. By visiting this unique exhibition, your readers will be helping to relieve the suffering in China, as all the proceeds are for the International Peace Hospital in China.
Admission 6d. Open from 11 a.m till 7 p.m.
Stockport Express (England), February 2, 1939
A Child Genius.Manchester Evening News (England), February 3, 1939
Caricatures and lightning sketches by an eight-years-old Chinese genius, Plato Chan, are to be the features of an exhibition at 42 Deansgate, Manchester, from the 6th until the 18th inst.
This boy has just had a most successful exhibition in Bond-st., London, which has been visited by a large number of influential people. A charming little fellow, Plato has in view relieving suffering in China, all proceeds going to the International Peace Hospital in China.
Plato works at caricatures and sketches during the exhibition; he does a very amusing caricature of Mr. Chamberlain.
The members of the Manchester and District China Relief Fund and Campaign Committee are hopeful for large attendances at this unique exhibition.
Plato Chan, the eight-year-old Chinese boy artist, comes to Manchester on Monday for the opening of an exhibition his to work. These photographs show (top) the pictures being unpacked and (below) an example of his work called “Seven Little ...” The exhibition is at 42, Deansgate, Manchester, and will be in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China.Manchester Guardian (England), February 3, 1939
Chinese Boys PaintingsDaily Herald (London, England), February 4, 1939
The remarkable collection of paintings by the Chinese boy Plato Chan, which have been on view at the Cooling Gallery, London, will be shown in rooms at 42, Deansgate. Manchester, for a fortnight, beginning on Monday.
This exhibition is being arranged by Manchester and District China Relief Committee, and, like that in London, is in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China. It will be opened at three on Monday by the wife of the Bishop of Manchester, Mrs. Guy Warman, and Plato Chan, who is only eight years old and has drawn and painted since the age of 18 months, will be present.
Dress Design Done by Boy of SevenManchester Evening News (England), February 6, 1939
A seven-year-old Chinese boy artist and France’s foremost surrealist poet have made the leading designs for some of the new Paris dress materials.
Plato X. Chan, son of a Chinese diplomat, held a London art show last year. He has designed three striking materials.
One in soft pink, with a flower design, was used for an evening “sari” gown and headdress; another showed colourful little men and donkeys, and a third, used for an afternoon frock, had little angel children and teddy bears.
Plato Chan Is a Philosopher at Eight
Chinese imperturbability was well tried to-day.
Eight-year-old Plato Chan, Chinese boy artist whose pictures are so arresting that exhibitions of them raise funds for the International Peace Hospital, China, came to Manchester on the wrong train, had 10 minutes in which to eat lunch, which was punctuated with questions.
But Plato neither smiled nor frowned.
Taxi-cab Dash
In London he has been much interviewed, much feted—yet he remains unspoiled. To-day friends in London should have put him on the train arriving at Central Station at 12 40.
Instead they put him with his mother and his ten-year-old sister, Christina Anna Chan, on the train arriving London Road at 12 18.
Plato and family had their first glimpse of Manchester through the windows of a taxi-cab dashing between stations to meet the deputation arranged to meet them.
After much dashing about he was found by his hostess, who took him in her car to have lunch at her home at Heaton Mersey.
“Why are you in Manchester, Plato?” I asked.
“Ex-beetion,” he said, and pointed to the portfolios of his paintings and drawings.
A Little Ruse
Christina Anna was more talkative.
“Would you like to put on your Chinese costume, Plato?” She asked.
Plato agreed, but it was not until he was taken upstairs that he realized that this was just a ruse to get a little boy to wash his hands.
When he came down again he really was resplendent in silk.
I asked him how many countries he has been in.
“America—born,” he said, “Germany, France, Holland, and now Manchester. China?—No.”
Plato’s mother told me he started drawing when he was 18 months old.
If you meet him at his exhibition of pictures you will discover that he wears an English lounge suit with long trousers, and does his drawings with his left hand.
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Manchester Guardian (England), February 7, 1939
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A Chinese Boy Artist
Aldous Huxley, in his introduction to a book of war pictures by Spanish school children, roundly declared that “when they are left to themselves, most children display astonishing artistic talents.” But “when they are interfered with and given lessons in art,” he went on, “they display little beyond docility and chameleon-like power to imitate whatever models are set up for their admiration.” The eight-year-old Chinese prodigy Plato Chan, an exhibition of whose work was opened at 42, Deansgate, yesterday, by Mrs. Guy Warman, might fairly be described as the exception who disproves these rules. For his “astonishing artistic talents” are certainly exceptional, and remain irrepressibly active and anything but imitative in the teeth of “interference” on what must be, for a boy of his years, an unprecedented scale.
But his art (for one cannot deny him the tribute of that term however strictly one differentiates between precocity and genius) is undoubtedly chameleon-like—far too much so to admit of adequate description in a brief notice. His subjects range from gory Crucifixions to “Mickey’s Wedding,” and from political cartoons to such flights of fancy as a brontosaurus snapping at an aeroplane. But in all there is the same instinctive sense of pattern, the same uninhibited inventiveness, the same authentic delight in gorgeous colour, the same frisky spirit of fun, and the same skilled suggestion of character and movement. And in his most mature (and startlingly ambitious) canvas, “Welcome to China,” there is something more: a hint of the strange and exciting potentialities of a fusion between the European and Oriental concepts of visual art.
This exhibition will be open for a fortnight, and the proceeds from admission charges will go to the International Peace Hospital in China. During most of that time. visitors will find the artist drawing pictures to order, working left-handed in pen and ink without preliminary sketching, rapidly filling the paper from right to left with gruesome scenes of the war of which he knows nothing at first-hand, and composedly oblivious to their adulation.
An Eight-Year-Old Artist
“Mickey’s Wedding,” by Plato Chan. An exhibition of drawings by this eight-year-old Chinese boy was opened in Manchester yesterday.
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Washington Journal (Washington, DC), February 10, 1939
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Art Exhibition by a Chinese Child Prodigy
In London, an exhibition was opened by the Chinese Ambassador, Dr. Quo Tai-chi, featuring paintings by an eight-year-old Chinese boy, Plato Chan, which are drawing widespread admiration. The prodigy is the son of an attaché at the Chinese Embassy in Paris; born in New York, he spent the first three years of his life in Berlin and has lived in Paris ever since. He began drawing at the age of 18 months, using his left hand. The walls of the exhibition hall are covered with colorful, vibrant depictions. Eastern and Western elements blend in both the subject matter and the technique. The young artist portrays movement with particular vividness; in this regard, one painting—“The Hurdle Race”—stands out above all the others. “Welcome to China,” “Schoolboy Life,” and “The Hunt” are the titles of other paintings that treat their subjects with a sense of unspoiled freshness.
Manchester Guardian (England), February 11, 1939
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Drawing and DancingTruth (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia), February 12, 1939
Little Plato Chan, the eight-year-old Chinese artist, will be keeping late hours on Wednesday night at the Houldsworth Hall, drawing sketches with his left hand in aid of his distressed country. The occasion is a dance got up by the Manchester and District China Relief Committee, and Plato’s 10-year old sister, Christina, who is said to dance beautifully, will participate in the cabaret. Tickets, to include refreshments, are 3s. 6d. each and can be had from the committee’s offices, 80a, Deansgate, or from the hall itself.
Eight-Year-Old Genius Draws CrowdsHongkong Daily Press, February 15, 1939
Hundreds of art-lovers have been paying their shillings to see a remarkable exhibition in a Bond-Street gallery.
The exhibition was of work by Chinese boy, Plato Chan. His painting have the hallmark of genius, and some of them were priced at £100.
This little Chinese boy’s political knowledge is uncanny. He has cartooned some of the leading politicians of the day, and has satirised the political situation.
Plato, in his eight years, has lived in Germany, the United States, England, and France—where his home now is. He speaks Chinese, French, English, and German. His father is attached to the Chinese Embassy in Paris.
Chinese Boy’s PaintingsThe Age (Melbourne, Victoria, Australia), February 16, 1939
The remarkable collection of paintings by one Chinese boy Plato Chan, which have been on view at the Cooling Gallery, London, will be shown in rooms at 42, Deansgate, Manchester, for a fortnight.
This exhibition is being arranged by the Manchester and district China Relief Committee, and, like that in London, is in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China. It will be opened by the wife of the Bishop of Manchester, Mrs. Guy Warman, and Plato Chan, who is only eight years old and has drawn and painted since the age of 18 months, will be present.
Chinese Boy Artist
Plato Chan, a clever eight-year-old Chinese boy, held an exhibition of his paintings in London recently in aid of the International Peace Hospital in China. Here he is shown with one of his paintings.
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San Francisco Chronicle (California), February 26, 1939
A Glimpse of the Continent’s Gay SideThe above article also appeared in the Dayton Daily News (Ohio), March 8, 1939, and Salt Lake Tribune (Salt Lake City, Utah), April 12, 1939
Paris, Feb. 25—For leading designs of some of the new dress materials, a 7-year-old Chinese boy artist and one of the most prominent French surrealist poets are responsible. The youthful Chinese is Plato X. Chan, son of a Chinese diplomat, and an exhibition of his works was held in London last year. He has designed three materials, one covered with angelic little children and teddy bears, another showing colorful tiny men and donkeys, and a third in soft pink flowers, used for an evening sari gown and headdress.
The poet is Jean Cocteau, whose play, “Les Parents Terribles,” playing to packed houses, was recently stopped in its successful run when the Paris Municipal Council gave the lessee of the theater notice to quit, “on moral grounds.” M. Cocteau has designed a striped material with rows of lovely women’s faces and a silk covered with fiery comets whose tails are made of jewels.
Squirrels a foot high, green trees, angels on clouds, cupids and cherubim form other motifs and designs on the new gay stuffs, while golden tinsel, leaves, flowers and ribbons make the new choker necklaces.
There are bonnets of all shapes and styles, youthful models with open backs just kept on the head with ties of veiling; “Widow Twankey” bonnets, worn with a bun of hair nape of the neck; Kate Greenaway bonnets, with a little bunch of daisies under one side brim; white pique bonnets, matching stiff collars and gloves; and, finally, the Belle of New York bonnet, a crush-down with the shortest of molded crowns and roll-back brims. Black georgette jersey trimmed with pale pink satin ribbon rosettes and veiling tied beneath the chin make this, in some models.
Star Weekly (Toronto, Ontario, Canada), March 4, 1939
Paris Uses Design of 7-Year ChineseSt. Catharines Standard (Ontario, Canada), March 6, 1939
Adopts Materials of Juvenile Artist’s Creation
Paris, March 4.—Some of the leading designs for new Paris dress materials this season were made by a 7-year-old Chinese boy. He is Plato X Chan, son of a Chinese diplomat, and last year held his own art show in London.
The young artist has designed three striking materials. One in soft pink, with a flower design, for an evening “Sari” gown and headdress; another shows colorful little men and donkeys, and a third, used in an afternoon frock, has little angel children and teddy bears.
Boys Hold Art ShowSt. Joseph News-Press (Missouri), March 16, 1939
(British United Press)
London, March 6.—Hundreds of art lovers have been paying their shillings to see a remarkable exhibition in a Bond street gallery.
The point is that the exhibition was of work done by an 8-year-old Chinese boy, Plato Chan. His paintings have the hallmark of genius, and some of them were priced at €100 ($500).
This little Chinese boy’s political knowledge is uncanny. He has cartooned some of the leading politicians of the day, and has satirized the political situation.
Plato in his eight years has lived in Germany, the United States, England and France—where his home now is. He speaks Chinese, French, English and German. His father is attached to the Chinese embassy in Paris.
Chinese Boy Artist HailedThe Daily Colonist (Victoria, BC, Canada), March 21, 1939
London, March 16.—(U.P.)—Hundreds of art lovers have been paying their shillings to see a remarkable exhibition in a Bond street gallery. The point is that the exhibition was of work by an eight-year-old Chinese boy, Plato Chan. Some of his paintings were priced at $500.
Art Lovers See Unique ExhibitionLe Messager (Lewiston, Maine), March 23, 1939
London (BUP)—Hundreds of art lovers have been paying their shillings to see a remarkable exhibition in a Bond Street gallery.
The point is that the exhibition was of work by an eight-year-old Chinese boy, Plato Chan. His paintings have the hallmark of genius, and some of his them were priced at $500.
This little Chinese boy’s political knowledge is uncanny. He has cartooned some of the leading politicians of the day, and has satirized the political situation.
Plato in his eight years has lived in Germany, the United States, England and France—where his home now is. He speaks Chinese, French, English and German. His father is attached to the Chinese Embassy in Paris.
Londres,—(U.P.)—Des centaines d’admirateurs d’art ont payé de nombreux shillings pour voir une exhibition remarquable dans une galerie de la rue Bond. Le point est que l’exhibition fut le travail d’un jeune Chinois Agé de 8 ans, Plato Chan. Quelques-uns de ses peintures étalent évaluées à $500.
Calgary Albertan (Calgary, Alberta, Canada), March 25, 1939
Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), September 8, 1939
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Art of Little ChineseHongkong Telegraph, April 17, 1939
London, (CP)—Plato Chan, eight-year-old Chinese boy painter, will hold an exhibition of his work here Nov. 29. Born at New York, he was taken to Germany and then Paris where his father is an attache of the Chinese legation.
Dress Design Done by Boy of SevenWindsor Star (Windsor, Ontario, Canada), April 20, 1939
Paris.
A seven-year-old Chinese boy artist and France’s foremost surrealist poet have made the leading designs for some of the new Paris dress materials.
Plato X. Chan, son of a Chinese diplomat, held a London art show last year. He has designed three striking materials.
One in soft pink with a flower design, was used for an evening “sari” gown and headdress; another showed colourful little men and donkeys, and a third, used for an afternoon frock, had little angel children and teddy bears. ...
A Boy’s ArtHarper’s Bazaar, June 1939
Hundreds of art-lovers have been paying their shillings to see a remarkable exhibition in a Bond street gallery, London. The exhibition was of work by an eight-year-old Chinese boy, Plato Chan. His paintings have the hallmark of genius, and some of them were priced at £100 ($500),
This little Chinese boy’s political knowledge is uncanny. He has cartooned some of the leading politicians of the day, and has satirized the political situation.
Plato in his eight years has lived in Germany, the United States, England and France—where his home now is. He speaks Chinese, French, English and German. His father is attached the Chinese Embassy in Paris.
Schiaparelli is using printed silks designed by a nine-year-old child. 2. He is Plato Chan, a little Chinese prodigy whose paintings and sketches have been exhibited in London and Paris since he was seven.Toronto Star (Canada), June 1, 1939
Over the Tea CupsChristina’s obituary said Chan’s work appeared in Vogue, probably the British edition.
Printed silks designed by a nine-year-old boy, are Schiaparelli’s newest offering to fashion. According to the current Harper’s Bazaar, the child is Plato Chan, a little Chinese prodigy. His paintings and sketches have been on exhibition in London and Paris ever since he was seven years old. So this summer you may be wearing an amusing print dress, in Chinese design, worked out by this child.
Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), September 8, 1939
Camera PortraitureSurrey Mirror and County Post (Reigate, Surrey, England), September 8, 1939
Acceptances for inclusion in the exhibition of camera portraits arranged by members of the Institute of British Photographers at the Royal Institute Galleries included four very striking pictures by Mr. Cyril W. Roberts of High Wycombe, three of which Have been chosen by the three juries, including a jury of well-known artists. They are all fine rich prints with good tone values. The portrait entitled “Pop Saunders” is described as a very, expressive piece of work, virile full of character. Members of the Institute of British, Photographers in all parts of the British Isles contributed to this Exhibition which, apart from the special exhibits includes 712 pictures. An amusing caricature of the photographer’s nightmare, the interfering parent, depicts the whole family helping the harassed portraitist to photograph the baby. A lady peeling onions is another unusual subject. Even the babies and children, most of them amazingly alive, are not all conventional portraits; one picturing a baby apparently suffering from hiccoughs and entitled “Pardon Me” is a masterpiece of expression. A small group of portraits in colour includes direct colour photographs of the Duchess of Kent with her two children, Miss Gracie Fields and the Chinese child artist prodigy Plato Chan. Six giant enlargements of open air subjects form decorative panels in the main gallery.
Camera Portraits.Daily Telegraph and Morning Post (London, England), December 19, 1939
Photographs of National Service, collected during these stirring days, form a topical feature of the Exhibition of Camera Portraits by members of the Institute of British Photographers, which opened on Tuesday at the Royal Institute Galleries, Piccadilly. One set of prints tells the story of A.R.P. and another pictures the part being played by women in the Auxiliary Territorial Service; these are photographs of the senior women’s transport corps, founded in 1909, in camp. There are a number of portraits of men and women from all walks of life in National Service garb. The pictures hung in this Royal Academy of Photography were selected by three independent juries, one of eminent artists, one representing the general public and the third composed of professional photographers. All points of view have therefore found expression. There are 158 photographs which bear three coloured discs, denoting that they were chosen by each of the three juries.
Variety and vitality are the keynotes of the exhibition. The word portrait has been given a broad definition. There are portraits of wild animals, birds, cats, and dogs, even clouds seen through the treetops, and a twisted, gnarled tree-trunk have sat for the portraitist. There is no monotony, the variety in treatment is pronounced, and the portraiture of to-day has a strong pictorial note. All manner of men and women are included, famous people and workers at their jobs. The Royal Family is represented by a fine group, and recent portraits of the Princesses, Judges, Bishops, artists, authors, civic dignatories, gipsies, sweeps, newsboys, athletes, celebrities of the stage, screen, and broadcasting, jostle each other in this democracy of the camera.
An amusing caricature of the photographer’s nightmare, the interfering parent, depicts the whole family helping the harassed portraitist to photograph the baby. A lady peeling onions is another unusual subject. Even the babies and children, most of them amazingly alive, are not all conventional portraits; one picturing a baby apparently suffering from hiccoughs and entitled “Pardon Me” is a masterpiece of expression. A small group of portraits in colour includes direct colour photographs of the Duchess of Kent with her two children, Gracie Fields and the Chinese child artist prodigy Plato Chan. Six giant enlargements of open-air subjects form decorative panels in the main gallery. Members of the Institute of British Photographers in all parts of the British Isles have contributed to this exhibition, which apart from the special exhibits includes 712 pictures. ...
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Bolton News (England), December 20, 1939
Irish Independent (Dublin, Ireland), January 5, 1940
Of Two ProdigiesBirmingham Post (England), December 21, 1939
Two private views in Town yesterday provided a fascinating coincidence. One was a new film, the other an art show, quite unconnected, and yet there was a link.
A new film which will open at the London Pavilion on Boxing Day will delight music lovers. Heifetz, the famous violinist, appears in it. In the “Melody of Youth” we see the world’s way of discouraging early genius and abandoning youthful talent to the adverse winds of chance and yet crowing if one in a hundred or so prodigies win recognition.
But going from Piccadilly to the Cooling Galleries in New Bond-st. one found a reminder that youthful genius is, not always neglected.
Here, Sabu, the Indian boy who has won fame in the great Kipling film, formally opened the exhibition of paintings and drawings by Plato Chan. Now Plato Chan is only eight but shows an imagination, a sense of colour, and a draughtsmanship which is truly astonishing. His show is on behalf of the Duke of Gloucester’s Red Cross and St. John’s Fund.
Welcome to China1940
At the Cooling Galleries, New Bond Street, an exhibition of Plato Chan’s paintings was opened yesterday in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Appeal for the Duke of Gloucester’s Red Cross and St. John’s Fund. The eight-year-old boy whose last exhibition in the same gallery realised £1,000 for China’s International Peace Hospital was putting the last touches to a large topical picture when I arrived. In ”Right is Might” the central figure, King George, in robes of State, is surrounded by so many leading people in the world of government and diplomacy that one might easily pass over the small figures of the three Chinese warriors, heralded by an angel of peace, who have come to join the King and his Ministers in their efforts for world peace. “All so gay and happy” is an expression that comes readily to the lips of Plato Chan, and this is how he explains his vision of a peaceful China Welcoming the nations of the earth, while Buddha looks on and laughs with joy. The Signature “Xumm” on the picture of a Chinese junk represents the artist’s individual Chinese name, and is there because he intends one day to sail just such a vessel on the Yellow River.
Living Pictures
The exhibition was opened by Sabu, the young Indian film actor who made many friends in “Elephant Boy.” Christine, the artist’s sister, was also present, and, although youthful visitors dutifully looked at the pictures indicated and explained by grown-ups, their attention was chiefly focused on the living pictures made by the three children. Sabu, wearing European dress with a scarlet turban, exchanged friendly but dignified greetings with Plato Chan, whose ceremonial suit of black satin was enriched with embroidery and jade buttons. The artist and his sister, at the request of the photographers, posed many times and in many ways, sometimes spoiling one picture, but making another, as they laughed or hid their eyes. Boys and girls alike gazed with silent admiration at the radiant embroidery, a life-sized peacock, on nine-year-old Christine’s robe of creamy satin. With a wreath of flowers on her ebony hair, she flitted through the rooms making charming curtseys to those who spoke to her. It was not to a child visitor, for the children regarded her as a being apart, but to an inquisitive grown-up, that she said that the peacock was embroidered by her grandmother in China. There were exciting moments for all when Plato Chan made black-and-white sketches of sitters who offered handsome sums for his bold and rapid work.
Irish Independent (Dublin, Ireland), January 5, 1940
Our London LetterBucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), April 19, 1940
Young Chinese Artists.
An interesting exhibition of paintings, water-colours, and drawings by Plato Chan, a Chinese child artist aged 8, and his sister, Christina, aged 9, is being held at the Cooling Galleries, New Bond St., in aid of the Lord Mayor’s Red Cross and St. John Fund.
Plato is not to be regarded as an artistic prodigy, but as a child with a remarkably active brain and an insatiable desire to draw whatever comes into his head.
The biggest, painting in exhibition is a “symbolical” composition of prominent personalities including King George, Sir John Simon and Mr. Winston Churchill, imposed upon a medley of war-like incidents under the title “Right is Might.” Some of the drawings, such as “Prehistoric versus Modern” and “Cowboys and Bulls,” are full of movement.
Christina is gentler in her tastes, and avoids politics. Her “The Dancer,” a little girl in a formal garden, is charming in feeling and colour.
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Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), May 10, 1940
Evening of Ballet Aids Troops’ FundBucks Examiner (Chesham, Buckinghamshire, England), August 30, 1940
Excellent entertainment was provided at the Town Hall, High Wycombe, on Saturday, by the pupils of Madame Nadine Legat, who presented an “Evening of Ballet” in aid of the Overseas Tobacco League for H.M Forces.
Consequent upon the outbreak of war Madame Legat evacuated her school from London to Seer Green. Since the death of husband, the famous Nicolas Legat, she alone been responsible for the work of the Legat School, which perpetuates the great tradition of the Russian Ballet, of which Nicolas Legat was not only one of the finest exponents, but was acknowledged to be the greatest teacher.
In addition to charming ballet dances by a company of young dancers, there was a pianoforte recital by the Russian pianist and composer, Vladimir de Briger, who contributed largely to the enjoyment of the evening. Another star of the evening was the nine-year-old Plato Chan, Chinese artist and portrait cartoonist, who has already collected over £1,000 in this country for charity.
Seer Green.Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), October 11, 1940
Chinese Boy’s Paintings.
Fascinating Exhibition.
An exhibition of some sixty paintings and drawings by a nine-year-old Chinese boy, Plato Chan, at “First House,” Long-grove. Seer Green, last Saturday, and will remain open until Sunday, September 8th. One’s first impression on seeing the groups of pictures on entering the room is that of a riot of colour, but when the paintings are examined more closely one finds fascinating, and often amusing detail which shows the heart of a boy, even though he is something of a genius. He has a remarkably active brain, and an insatiable desire to draw whatever comes into his head. He began to draw at 18 months, and he has hardly stopped since. He is entirely self-taught, and he delights in rapid movement and the ludicrous in caricature. He has the technical dexterity of the Chinese child trained in writing with the brush, and anything from public affairs to a Walt Disney film attracts his has imagination.
The largest picture he has called “Right is Might,” and shows King George VI with his ministers, among whom can be plainly recognised Mr. Neville Chamberlain, Sir John Simon, and Mr. Anthony Eden. Intermixed and surrounding these characters are such things as soldiers, battleships, frigates, tanks, aeroplanes, and one or two famous buildings. That he was a clever artist at three years old is proved by his “The Chase,” which is a fine example of movement. There is a cartoon-like quality about “A Schoolboy’s Life,” while “King—Farmer,” shows that he has the spirit of the typical Chinese art, which one hopes he will cultivate, for this picture has real beauty.
The exhibition is under the auspices of The Legat School of Ballet, and is in aid of the Artists’ Benevolent Fund. It was opened on Saturday by Mr. Herbert Read.
Ballet Dances in Mayflower BarnThe above article also appeared in the Middlesex Advertiser County and Gazette (Hillingdon, London, England), October 11, 1940
Talented Young Artists Entertain at Jordans
Never in its centuries of existence had historic Mayflower Barn, which adjoins the Hostel at Jordans, witnessed such a scene as on Saturday afternoon, when children from the Legat School at Seer Green gave a performance of ballet in aid of distressed air-raid victims.
An enthusiastic reception was given by a large crowd to the talented young performers, whose ages ranged from seven to fifteen. The stage had been tastefully decorated by M. Boris Toporkoff, for fifteen years stage manager to Anna Pavlova, and the setting harmonised well with the ancient beams of the Barn.
“Stars of the Future” was the title given to the whole performance, and Mme. Nadine Legat’s pupils certainly, showed a great deal of promise in the dances which this celebrated teacher had arranged for each of them. Noteworthy was the “Doll” and Chinese dances by Christina Chan, the clever ten-year-old Chinese girl, who also interpreted two numbers from Tchaikowsky’s “Lac des Cygnes.” Clementina McCall (aged twelve) showed a technique worthy of an experienced dancer, and her solos to Lehar’s “Viennese Waltz,” Chopin’s “Prelude” and Tchaikowsky’s “The Cat,” were delightful little cameos, especially the latter. No less delightful were the dances by Jennifer Polge, who captivated all hearts as a “Spring Butterfly,” and by Gwynedd Jenkins who gave a spirited rendering of a Polka by Rachmaninoff.
By way of variety from ballet, music was provided by Alexis and his Tzigane Players, who played Russian and gypsy music. Twelve-year-old Peter Tomchinsky proved himself a master of the violin, including part of Bach’s violin concerto No. 2 in his repertoire. An amusing interlude was provided by Plato Chan, who, at the age of nine, has already gained wide recognition as an artist. This young Chinese showed that he is not only a master of the more serious side of painting. On the stage he drew with lightning rapidity a series of most amusing cartoons including well-known personalities.
A traditional Norwegian dance to music by Greig, in which all the children took part, ended the programme, after which Mrs. E. T. Jenkins, who had acted as compere, introduced Mme. Legat, and thanked her for providing such an interesting and artistic entertainment. A collection for air-raid refugees was made, appropriately enough, in wardens’ “tin” hats.
Evening Standard (London, England), November 13, 1940
Plato Caricatures the Premier
Plato Chan, whose father was Secretary to the Chinese Legation in Paris until the German occupation, working on a cartoon of Mr. Churchill knocking out Hitler. The boy and his sister Christina are now at a school in Buckinghamshire.
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Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), November 15, 1940
Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), August 8, 1941
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New York Post, October 27, 1942
Seer Green1941
Young Ballet Stars.—On Saturday Mme. Nadine Legat again presented her “Stars of the Future” at the Village Hall, Seer Green, the performance being again in aid of victims of air-raids. A large audience enjoyed the dancing of Mme. Legat’s talented young pupils, the violin music of Peter Tomchinsky, and the lightning caricature drawing of 10- year-old Plato Chan, the young Chinese artist. Clementina McCall danced delightfully and also gave some amusing recitations. The “compère” was Mrs. Gordon West, a talented musician, whose own trio has recently been giving a number of performances in aid of charity and who appeared on Tuesday at the British Legion Hall at Beaconsfield. Notable among the young dancers on Saturday afternoon were Christina Chan, a sister of Plato Chan, Gisella Waldman, Clementina McCall, and Jehanne Waldman. Light music was rendered by Alexis and his Tzigane Players. Sonya Tomchinsky accompanied the whole programme.
Bucks Free Press (High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, England), August 8, 1941
JordansFrance, September 4, 1941
Ballet and Drama.—On Saturday, Madame Legat again presented pupils of the Legat School of Russian Ballet in a divertissement of dancing at the Jordans Village Hall. For the first time the school revealed to the public its dramatic qualities, in a play entitled “His Majesty’s Masquerading.” The play, produced Miss Dorothy Egles, assisted by Madame Legat, was outstanding for the ease and movement of the performance. The title role of King Charles II was taken by Christina Chan, who handled the part of a half- wit (a disguise to hoodwink the Roundheads) with great skill and realism. Clementina McCall presented a charming Elizabeth Pendril, while Richard Pendril was played convincingly by Andrew de Briger. Nora Walevska was an attractive Colonel Guilford, and Wendy Canadine and Annabelle Eprile acted, artistically the roles of grandmother and Susan Pendril respectively. Kenneth Rothwell took the part of the Roundhead captain, and the audience fully appreciated Plato Chan as the Roundhead trooper. After the play the school performed the ballet variations that have endeared its pupils to the neighbourhood. Clementina McCall and Christina Chan performed a number of new dances with a technique and charm that the audience appreciated. Wendy Canadine danced for the first time for the school and won much applause. Outstanding in the afternoon’s performance was the song and dance by 5-years-old Annabelle Eprile. Jennifer Polge also performed daintily, as well as Kyra Leroy-Aslin, Inga Melich, Betty Toporkova and Nora Walevska. Mr. Bruno Glade accompanied the dancers at the piano. As on previous occasions the scenery was arranged by Mr. Toporkoff, who was for 15 years Anna Pavlova’s stage manager. The hall was filled and, as many people were unable to be admitted, Madame Legat announced that it had been decided to repeat the programme during the September term.
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Children’s Drawing1942
... And yet, looking at these few hundred drawings, it seems quite impossible that at least some of their creators will not survive within the adults they are destined to become. Such is the case with the six-year-old Czechoslovak boy who executed this family portrait—father, mother, and child; such, too, is the case with young Plato Chan, and with the twelve-year-old girl who had the idea of titling this portrait of a young woman—wearing a hat with coquettish flair—“A Boring Afternoon.” ...
New York Post, October 27, 1942
Paints for China
11-year-old Plato Chan is a painter. His works are being exhibited this week at Lord & Taylor. Sales will benefit United China Relief.
Greenville News (South Carolina), November 7, 1942
$3,000 for ChinaA photograph distributed by the Newspaper Enterprise Association on November 13, 1942.
New York, Nov. 6—(AP)—Although he is only 11 years-old, Plato Chan, son of a Chinese diplomatic official now imprisoned in Germany, has already earned $3,000 for China’s war effort. Plato is a painter. He is doing a solo show in New York now and not long ago did one in London.
Way back in 1937, when many governments still had a hazy
conception of the danger imminent in the Axis, young Plato
Chan portrayed the three partners with their swords ready to
cut the world to pieces while war threatens to ride out of the
fires of hell at the right. The youthful artist may have developed
a keen understanding of world affairs from his father, C.Y.
Chan, a former member of the Chinese Diplomatic service
who is now a prisoner of war in Hong-Kong.
1943
Shanghai Evening Post and Mercury (New York, New York), July 30, 1943
Plato Chan, 12-year-old Chinese artist, has delivered to Whittlesey House the completed illustrations for “The Good-Luck Horse,” a Chinese legend adapted by his mother, Mrs. Chan Chih-yu [sic]. The boy, who is the son of a Chinese Embassy attache, now a prisoner of the Germans in France, had his drawings exhibited in New York recently.“The Good-Luck Horse” reviews or mentions; below are the dust jacket, cloth cover, endpaper, half-title page and title page
The Good-Luck Horse
By Chih-Yi and Plato Chan. Whittlesey House. $1.50.
Mother and son have collaborated in creating this children’s book, which a great many adults will read with as much pleasure as their children will. The story is an adaptation of an old Chinese folktale, which relates the adventures of a little paper horse who came to life, thanks to the wave of magician’s wand. Twelve-year-old Plato’s illustrations are a delightfully humorous and imaginative as the story itself.
Woes of a “Good Luck” Horse
Endpapers of “The Good Luck Horse,” a Chinese legend retold for young Americans by 12-year-old Plato Chan and his mother, depict the troubles of the horse and his little master before their luck turned and the horse’s name came true. All the drawings in the book are by Plato.
The New York Times Book Review, November 14, 1943, “The Good-Luck Horse” review
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Springfield Daily News (Massachusetts), November 20, 1943
Chinese Boy Artist and Mother Help Raise War Relief FundsThe above article also appeared in the Springfield Daily Republican (Massachusetts), November 20, 1943.
Plato Chan, 12-year-old Chinese artist, visited this city and Northampton yesterday with his mother, Mrs Chih-Yi Chan, and his sister, Christina. This was the first visit to Springfield of the Chans, a charming and talented family, all three of whom are devoting every minute they can spare from work and school to raising funds for war relief.
During the afternoon the Chans were the chief attraction at an autograph party held the Hampshire bookshop at Northampton in observance of children’s book week. Plato sketched, and his mother spoke briefly of what children are undergoing in war-torn China. They raised $26 for Chinese war relief, a small sum compared to the $10,000 Plato helped to collect in England for various war relief organizations through the exhibition and sales of his sketches and paintings. But the Chans were thrilled with the results of the Northampton affair because the fund came from children’s own nickels, dimes and quarters.
Delighted With New England
Interviewed in their suite at Hotel Kimball last night, the Chans expressed themselves wholly delighted with New England. They had been “on the go” early morning, when they left New York for this city, where they made a brief stopover for lunch before continuing to Northampton for the reception. It was late before they came back to Springfield for dinner and an overnight stop. Their train for New York was scheduled to leave early this morning. But the Chans refused to be flustered by the rush of events.
Plato, after greeting the visitor, quietly withdrew to a corner with what was obviously a school book, and let his mother and Christina do most of the talking. Occasionally he added a word.
One’s first impression of the young artist, which grows stronger on acquaintance, is his naturalness. He seems unspoiled by his international reputation, by the fact that he has painted a portrait of the queen of England with which she was delighted, and that the duchess of Gloucester ordered a fourth water color of a horse in action after buying three at one of his British exhibitions.
Proud of His Red Shirt
Both he and his sister Christina were dressed in American fashion, although Mrs Chan wore a black silk Chinese dress. Plato’s pride in his bright red-checked lumberjack shirt matched that of any American boy.
“No, I don’t recall much of China,” Plato said in reply to a question. “I spent three months there, but it was four years ago.”
When he speaks of his travels in Germany, France, England, Greece, and India and many other places which to most boys of his age are merely names in their geography books, his expressive eyes light up.
Christina and Plato were both born in New York city when his father was attached to the Chinese diplomatic corps there. At the outbreak of the war Mr Chan was with the Chinese embassy Paris. When France was defeated and he was held a prisoner of war, Mrs Chan and the children took refuge in London. They haven’t heard from Mr Chan for nearly three years.
They have been in New York for the past year. Mrs Chan is employed there at the Bank of China, and the children attend the Lincoln school, Christina in the ninth and Plato in the eighth grade.
“It is time we settled down for awhile while the children get their education,” Mrs Chan remarked.
Plato Tall for His Age
Plato is a tall boy for his age, and well built, with rather chubby face, while his sister is slim and tall, with her mother’s vivid beauty.
Mrs Chan’s brother is Chinese consul-general in San Francisco, and she has important family connections in China. But although she would talk of many matters both in China and this country, she skilfully turned the conversation when reference was made to them.
“It is what one is oneself that matters,” she smiled.
The Chans were accompanied to this city and Northampton by Mrs Helene Frye, juvenile editor of Whittlesey House, publishers of the popular children’s story, “The Good-Luck Horse,” an old Chinese legend retold by Mrs Chan and illustrated in color and black and white by her young son.
Springfield Union (Massachusetts), November 20, 1943
Boy Chinese Artist Visits SpringfieldStory Parade, December 1943
Plato Chan, 12-years-old Chinese artist, visited this city and Northampton yesterday with his mother, Mrs. Chih-Yi Chan, and his sister, Christina. The three are devoting every minute that can be spared from work and school to raising funds for war relief. During the afternoon they were the chief attraction at an autograph party at the Hampshire Book Shop, Northampton, in observance of Children’s Book Week. Plato sketched and his mother spoke briefly of what children are undergoing in China.
Interviewed at Hotel Kimball last night, they expressed themselves as delighted with New England. The young artist seems to have remained quite unspoiled in spite of his international reputation. He and his sister were dressed in American clothes though their mother wore a black Chinese dress. Both children were born in New York where their father was attached to the Chinese diplomatic corps. At the outbreak of the war, Mr. Chan was with the Chinese embassy in Paris and when France was defeated he was held prisoner of war and Mrs. Chan and her children took refuge in London. They have been in New York for a year, where Mrs. Chan is employed by the Bank of China and the children are in school.
1944
Coronet, March 1944
Plato ChanThe New York Times, March 17, 1944
Plato Chan, a 12-year-old Chinese boy, had his first one-man art show at the age of seven. That was in Paris. A year later he exhibited in London and received raves from all the art critics of that city.
Low, the famous British cartoonist, said oh him: “At the age of eight, he had a bolder conception of the principles of art than many artists have at age 80.”
While in London Plato painted a portrait of Queen Elizabeth which she wished to buy, but with typical Oriental courtesy little Plato gave it to her.
His father, now a prisoner of war, is a former member of the Chinese Diplomatic Service.
The boy artist, his mother and little sister, Christina, arrived in this country from England about a year ago.
Recently he had his first art exhibition America, showing a collection of more than one hundred oils, water colors and pen and ink sketches at Lord and Taylor’s department store in New York City.
His work is distinguished by its bold execution and vivid colors. Some of it has an ironic touch amazing in a 12-year-old. All of Plato’s paintings evince a lively imagination.
Critics noticed particularly a canvas entitled Steeplechase—which the boy had painted after seeing a race at Auteuil. Leading the horses are tiny winged creatures. “To show the jumpers just where to land,” Plato explains to his audiences.
The little Chinese began to draw when he was only 18 months old.
Now a student at the Lincoln School in New York, he spends all the time he can spare getting the city down on paper.
Whenever he sells a painting, Plato gives the money to United China Relief. Steadfastly he looks forward to the day when his father will be free once more.
... Water-colors and oils by a 12-year-old Chinese lad, Plato Xenophon Chan, are on view in the Children’s Room of the New York Public Library through April. Work executed when the artist was 5 years old is included. The artist and his mother, Chih-yi, recently collaborated on a book, “The Good-Luck Horse,” published by Whittlesey House. ...New York Daily News, March 21, 1944
BroadwayNew York Sun, March 23, 1944
The New York Public Library is featuring a water color exhibit by a Chinese lad named Plato Xenophon Chan.
Long Island Daily Press (Jamaica, New York), March 24, 1944Young Chinese Artist Displays Work
Plato Chan, Chinese artist, is showing one of his paintings to (left to right) Barbara Berkowitz, Walter Booth and Richard Hansen as he prepares for China Book Week, designated by the American Library Association as March 24 to 31, at the New York Public Library. Plato’s paintings art on display in the children’s room at the library.
Young Chinese Artist Shows His Work—Plato Chan, Chinese child artist, shows one of his works to Florence and David Rose of Kew Gardens at a preview of his exhibit in the children’s room of the New York Library as part of Chinese Book Week, March 24–31. Plato is also an author and one of his books, “The Good Luck Horse,” is among the works on China being sold by the United China Relief, 1790 Broadway.
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News of United China Relief, April 8, 1944
Child Artist Opens China Book Week
Plato Chan, well known Chinese child artist, opened “China Book Week,” held by the American Library Association from March 24 to 31, at the New York Public Library. He is pictured here explaining one of them to an admiring audience. Left to right: Barbara Berkowitz; Plato Chan; Walter Booth and Richard Hansen. Throughout the country, libraries observed China Book Week, and United China displays were on exhibit in more than 50 cities during that period.
The above photograph also appeared in the New York Sun, March 23, 1944.
The Booklist, May 15, 1944
The New York Times, June 6, 1944
... Plato Chan, 13-year-old Chinese author of “The Good-Luck Horse,” has written in collaboration with his sister, Christina, “The Magic Monkey,” which Whittlesey House will publish Aug. 14. Like the earlier book, “The Magic Monkey” is adapted from an old Chinese legend.
Below are the jacket cover, cloth cover, endpaper, and title page.
Richmond Times-Dispatch (Virginia), August 20, 1944
Chinese Children Produce a Book
The Magic Monkey, by Plato and Christina Chan. New York: McGraw-Hill: 50 pp. $1.50.
The Magic Monkey is based on an old Chinese legend which tells of a most unusual monkey. “He was good—he was bad. He was smart—he was stupid. He was was foolish. He was everything he should be—and everything he shouldn’t be.” How he acquired his magic wand is the story of this book.
Plato Chan is the 13-year-old Chinese boy who illustrated the book. At the age of 8 he gave several exhibits in London raising money for war relief organizations. David Low, cartoonist, said of him: “At 8 years old he has a bolder conception of the principles of art than many artists have at 80.” Plato’s sister, Christina, who is a year older, wrote the story.
North Carolina Public School Bulletin, September 1944
Awards for Children’s Books
... Runners-up for the Caldecott award were ... The Good Luck Horse, a Chinese folktale written [by Chih-yi Chan] and illustrated by Plato Chan, a teen age Chinese boy.
Springfield Sunday Union and Republican (Massachusetts), September 3, 1944
For Young Readers
‘The Magic Monkey’
Plato Chan, 13-year-old Chinese author, and his sister, Christina, one year his senior, have joined forces to produce a handsome picture-story book which is a worthy successor to Plato’s earlier book, “The Good Luck Horse,” retold from a Chinese legend by his mother, Chih-Yi Chan. “The Magic Monkey,” (Whittlesey House; $1.50), is written by Christina in simple, amusing form, illustrated by her brother in the charming, striking style which won him acclaim when at the age of eight he held several exhibits of his work in London to raise money for war relief organizations. The Chans, who are now making their home in New York city, visited at Northampton and here last spring, and left a deep impression as a cultured, gifted family with an engaging sense of humor which is apparent in this story of a monkey who was good, who was bad, who was most stupid and also wise. M. L. H.
Chicago Tribune (Illinois), October 1, 1944
... The Women’s National Book association opened its season with a meeting Tuesday, at which William Sloane, manager of the trade department of Henry Holt & Co.; Carl Glick, author of “Three Times I Bow,” and Mrs. Chih-yi Chan, her son, Plato Chan, and daughter, Christina Chan, authors of “The Magic Monkey,” spoke. Mrs. Edward M. Mills, wife of the president of Longmans, Green & Co. described the book service of the War Prisoners Aid, to which the Women’s National Book association devotes one evening a week.
The New York Times Book Review, October 1, 1944, “The Magic Monkey” book review
Story Parade, November 1944
The New York Times, November 19, 1944
Drawings by Chinese Youngster
Information about other lands was presented at a “Festival of Nations” yesterday morning in the New York Times Hall, 240 West Forty-fourth Street. The meeting, held in conjunction with the observance of Children’s Book Week, was sponsored by The New York Times in cooperation with the Association of Children’s Book Editors ...
... It was an appreciative audience that greeted the drawings of Chinese children and animals by 13-year-old Plato Chan, who illustrated his mother’s books, “The Good Luck Horse” and “The Magic Monkey.” His sister, Christina, and his mother appeared with him. ..
Further Reading
China Rhyming, Plato Chan—Chinese Boy Genius of 1938
Collecting Children’s Book, The Caldecott Orbit
Illustrators of Children’s Books 1744–1945, profile has errors of dates and age
China Rhyming, Plato Chan—Chinese Boy Genius of 1938
Collecting Children’s Book, The Caldecott Orbit
Illustrators of Children’s Books 1744–1945, profile has errors of dates and age
(Next post on Wednesday: National Laundry Day, April 15)
