Tess Johnston Remembered for Contributions to Shanghai's Architectural History

What's Happening?

Tess Johnston, a former U.S. diplomat and chronicler of Shanghai's colonial architecture, passed away at the age of 93. Johnston arrived in Shanghai in 1981 as a foreign service officer and became an expert on the city's vanishing colonial architecture over her 35-year stay. She documented the Western architecture in Shanghai, which included neoclassical banks and villas, and published over two dozen books with Chinese photographer Erh Dongqiang. Her work highlighted the city's rich and complicated past, filling a void left by the Communist Party's view of Shanghai's European architecture as a loss of its own identity.

Why It's Important?

Johnston's work is significant as it preserved the architectural history of Shanghai, providing insights into the city's colonial past. Her documentation serves as a valuable resource for historians and preservationists, offering a deeper understanding of Shanghai's transformation and the impact of Western powers on its development. Her contributions have helped maintain cultural heritage and fostered appreciation for historical architecture, which is often threatened by modern development.

What's Next?

Johnston's legacy will continue to influence preservation efforts in Shanghai and inspire future historians and architects to explore and document historical architecture. Her books remain a critical resource for those interested in Shanghai's colonial history, and her work may encourage further studies and preservation initiatives to protect the city's remaining historical structures.

Beyond the Headlines

Johnston's work raises ethical questions about the preservation of historical architecture in rapidly modernizing cities. It highlights the cultural significance of maintaining architectural heritage and the challenges faced in balancing development with preservation. Her efforts underscore the importance of documenting history to ensure that future generations can appreciate and learn from the past.