Spencer Dodington will speak about ‘Shanghai’s Art Deco Master’, the first comprehensive coffee-table style book describing the life and times of Paul Veysseyre, co-written by Charles Lagrange. 

Paul Veysseyre was a leading French architect who lived in Shanghai from 1921 to 1937, one of the principles of the architectural firm Leonard, Veysseyre & Kruze. Over a hundred of his buildings are still standing in Shanghai, contributing to the city’s extremely diverse architectural heritage. Well-known works include the Cercle Sportif Français (now the Okura Garden Hotel) the Boissezon Apartments and the Dauphine Apartments, just to name a few. 

It took the authors three years of researching and writing, using original and new photos, to finally give readers a close-hand account of Veysseyre’s life. The book is not only the first comprehensive book about him, it is also the only recent book in English offering a succinct history of the French Concession and its legacy. Part of this legacy is the city’s Art Deco image, due to Veysseyre. 

In her foreword for the book, Tess Johnston writes: “Spencer Dodington and Charles Lagrange are the perfect choice to document Veysseyre’s life and work... Anyone who loves architecture in all its variety – and wants to understand how it evolved – will find this volume illuminating.” 

In his lecture, Spencer will talk about the life and work of Veysseyre, as well as the process of researching and writing the book. In conjunction, he is hosting two historic walks for RAS on May 4th and May 25th. 

Spencer Dodington is an expert on the history and restoration of Shanghai Art Deco architecture. His work in the city has been chronicled in magazines and newspapers around the globe. He lives and works in Shanghai.

RSVP: to RAS Bookings at: bookings@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn

ENTRANCE:  Members 70 RMB - Non Members 100 RMB

Includes a glass of wine or soft drink

Priority for RAS members. Those unable to make the donation but wishing to attend may contact us for exemption.   

MEMBERSHIP applications and membership renewals will be available at this event.

RAS MONOGRAPHS - Series 1 & 2 will be available for sale at this event. 100 rmb each (cash sale only)

WEBSITE:  www.royalasiaticsociety.org.cn