Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee at Shanghai 1897

This commemorative book, celebrating Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in Shanghai, is made of paper, with ink applied using printing techniques. It's not just a historical record; it’s a product deeply embedded in global commerce. Notice the prominent advertisement for Gande, Price & Co., wine and spirit merchants on Nanking Road, and sole agents for Tansan mineral water. The printing process itself is a testament to industrialization, making mass communication possible and affordable, which in turn fuels consumer culture. But consider the labor involved. From the papermaking process to the typesetting and printing, each stage relies on human hands, often working in difficult conditions. This book encapsulates the complex relationship between empire, trade, labor, and consumption. By acknowledging these material and social dimensions, we can appreciate how it transcends the traditional boundaries between fine art, craft, and commerce.