18th century Chinese wallpaper, featured in the exhibition

With the Beijing Olympics coming up in 2008, Brighton Museum and Art Gallery in East Sussex will look at the influence of Chinese culture on British fashion, art and life through an exhibition called ‘Chinese Whispers: Chinoiserie in Britain 1650-1930’.

Believed to be the first major exhibition to examine the impact of Chinese art and design, otherwise known as Chinoiserie, on Britain in over 70 years, it will feature items ranging from 18th century Chinese wallpaper to recreations of Chinese-inspired, modernist rooms from the 1920s and 30s.

‘Chinese Whispers: Chinoiserie in Britain 1650-1930’ will run from 3rd May to 2nd November at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery. Entrance is free and groups can pre-book guided tours of the Museum and Gallery. For more information telephone 01273 292882