Chang Woo Gow (1840s-1893), known as Chang the Chinese Giant, first appeared publicly in London in the mid-1860s. Thousands marvelled at his height and proficiency in many languages. With his wife, Kin Foo, he arrived in Australia from the USA in 1870 and toured the country for several years. Here, after Kin Foo died, Chang met and married Catherine Santley. They had one son in China and one in Paris before moving to England. After a stint with Barnum and Bailey's 'Greatest Show on Earth', Chang retired with his family to Bournemouth, where he opened a tearoom with a sideline in Chinese curios and fabrics.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2010
Accession number: 2010.28
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On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves: who we read, who we watch, who we listen to, who we cheer for, who we aspire to be, and who we'll never forget. The Companion is available to buy online and in the Portrait Gallery Store.
Karen Vickery on Chang the Chinese giant in Australia.
Death masks, post-mortem drawings and other spooky and disquieting portraits... Come and see how portraits of infamous Australians were used in the 19th century.
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