In 1898, British engineer George Squire (1868-1930) was invited to Japan. During an era when Japan's modern paper industry was rapidly developing with factories expanding across the country, Squire was placed in charge of all operations at the Senju Paper Mill in Kokura, Kyushu. He commuted between Kokura and the Tokyo headquarters by ship, overseeing everything from training workers to payroll management, ensuring smooth factory operations.
Later, his wife Lydia and their two young daughters joined him. During their approximately three-year stay in Kokura, Lydia educated their daughters Marjorie and Dorothy at home while also teaching English to locals, fostering community connections.
The Squire family regularly had their photographs taken by Kunitaro Moriyama Kunitaro at the Kunitaro Moriyama Photography Studio in Kokura. The Moriyama family's second son, Tamezo, learned English from Lydia, and the two families maintained a close relationship even after the Squires returned to England.
Memorabilia from the Squire family's time in Japan were donated to Durham University in the 1980s after the sisters had passed away. This exhibition offers glimpses into their life in Japan through these artifacts from the early 20th century.
It's noteworthy that this special exhibition is jointly organized with Durham University, with which our museum has signed a memorandum of cooperation related to research and investigation.
15 minute walk from the South exit of Keisei Sakura Station on the Keisei Main line; From the South exit of JR Sakura Station, take the Chiba Green bus towards Tamachi Shako and get off at National Museum of History and Folklore. The venue is near from there.
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