Famous Hong Kong architect and philanthropist Mr Wong Cho Tong (1911-2001) was a HKU graduate, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1936. This Collection consists of more than 400 images of places and events in Hong Kong from the 1930s to the 1980s, with some in Guangzhou. Images are scans of the original photos from the personal collection of Mr Wong Cho Tong (黃祖棠) and his wife Mrs Wong Chan Sook Ying (黃陳淑英). Pictures reveal a glimpse of work and life of Mr Wong including, scenes at HKU, buildings and structures of which he was the architect, premises related to his work or his family business, activities he participated, and places where he and his family visited for leisure purpose.
As an authorised architect in Hong Kong since 1947, Mr Wong formed his company Wong Cho Tong Architects & Engineers in 1948 and started his own practice until 1985. Notable buildings designed by Wong Cho Tong including South China Athletic Association Football Stadium (1953) and Tak Chuen Lau of Lai Tak Tsuen (1975).
In addition to his achievements in his profession, Mr Wong was also a generous giver where he donated his fortune in support of elderly services in Hong Kong. His donations enabled the formation of the Kowloon Women’s Welfare Club Wong Cheung Kin Memorial Hostel for the Elderly, the Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club Madam Wong Chan Sook Ying Memorial Care and Attention Home for the Aged, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Cho Tong Social Service Building, etc.