Uncovering fragments of Singapore’s history through found objects

David Wee, founder of Wee’s Collection, shares that this signboard belonged to a 100-year-old shop that sold pots and pans, as well as linoleum. This beautiful wooden sign board was hand carved in Singapore. The bottom left corner features a square stamp, bearing the mark of the skilled carver, while the Chinese characters on top of it are the distinctive signatures of the talented calligraphers. All the carvings were adorned with gold leaf, creating a lasting shine that remains intact after many years. Notably, the reading style of Chinese characters from right to left provides a clue to the era in which it existed, as the reading direction changed to left to right only after a specific period. 

When the 1970s arrived, a significant shift occurred in the signboard industry. We started to use machines to cut acrylic, revolutionising the manufacturing process. With this technological advancement, signboards gradually transitioned from intricate hand carvings to the more efficient method of alphabetical cut-outs. This change not only expedited production but also offered greater precision and consistency in creating signboards. In addition to the shift in production techniques, the reading style of Chinese words also started to be read from left to right.

Read the full feature with Wee’s Collection here.

From the mid-20th century through the 1960s and 1970s, owning a motorcycle was considered a luxury. Jonathan Tee, owner of Retro Kulture, shares, “Back in those days, people who owned these British bikes were very rich. They are so expensive, costing as much as owning a car today.” However, that didn’t stop the thriving motorcycle culture in Singapore. British motorcycle brands like Triumph, BSA, and Norton were popular among riders during that era. Singapore also often hosted various motorcycle racing events, including street circuits and off-road competitions, attracting riders and enthusiasts from around the region. Motorcycles were also a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and this shared interest forged a strong sense of camaraderie among riders. 

More about Retro Kulture here.

Singapore's strategic position as a significant trading port drew individuals from diverse backgrounds, such as British colonialists, Chinese immigrants, Malays, Indians, and more. Cabinet gramophones played an important role in promoting cultural exchange through music, allowing people from various communities to share their musical traditions and recordings. This fostered mutual understanding and appreciation across different cultures.

Mr. Frederick Puah, owner of British Hainan, lived in the servants' quarters when he was young and was often being invited to crank the gramophone in the main hall during his father's employment with the British. The memories from that time created a lasting impression on him, associating the machine with music and possibly fond memories of his past. He shares, “Years later, once I became an adult, I worked hard and saved enough money to purchase one for myself. It felt like regaining a long lost friend, something that you yearned for for so long and suddenly managed to get it back.” 

Presently, this cabinet gramophone is a rare antique item, running at 78 revolutions per minute. “Back in the day, this kind of gramophone was considered luxurious. It is very hard to find one now, in this kind of condition. There are no speakers, the music is amplified from below like a trumpet. It really feels like someone is singing to you live,” he says.

More about British Hainan here.