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
The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the
Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a
Reproduction request. For further information please contact
NPG Copyright.
