Memories We Share: Hong Kong in the 1960s and 1970s
From 31 March to 30 June 2010 (Closed on Tuesdays, except public holidays)
1/F Lobby
Free Admission
In the space of just two decades, Hong Kong's population surged from 3.01 million in 1960 to 5.01 million in 1979. With the number of teenagers accounting for 39% of that total, the territory's demographics were one of the necessary conditions that fuelled its post-war economic boom that had first been made possible by the capital and industrial know-how introduced from mainland China. At the same time, this rapid growth in the population exerted enormous pressure on Hong Kong's healthcare, housing and education systems. Yet the spirit of perseverance and courage – a strength of immigrant societies – provided the impetus for significant growth in industry and commerce over the next 20 years while also laying the foundation for Hong Kong's later prosperity.
In the meantime, as urban development continued, new trends and practices emerged in Hong Kong's way of life, social atmosphere and culture. The people of Hong Kong began to experience a lifestyle that was becoming increasingly sophisticated. The rich collection of photographs and video footage showcased in this exhibition takes us back to Hong Kong at this pivotal time and introduces to today's youngsters the many and varied facets of the daily lives in the past.
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During the early 1960s, Hong Kong experienced serious shortage in water supply. At one time, water was only supplied for four hours once every four days, and all over the city people were seen queuing on the streets for water with their buckets.
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In 1972 the Hong Kong Government launched the Clean Hong Kong campaign, and Lap Sap Chung a.k.a. Litter Bug has become a fond collective memory of Hong Kong people.
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In 1947 the Cross-harbour Swimming Race resumed after the war, and contestants swam from Tsim Sha Tsui Railway Station to Queen's Pier in Central for a total of 1,400 metres. The competition continued until 1978 when Tsim Sha Tsui Railway Station was demolished.
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The Hong Kong Government has actively developed youth programmes since 1967. In 1968, dance parties were held once a week at Blake Pier. This photograph shows the Playboys band, with Teddy Robin (second from left) as lead singer, performing live at one of the parties.
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During the 1960s, police officers were commonly seen on point duty at road intersections.
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During the early 1970s, when Hong Kong's television stations turned to colour broadcast, TV programmes became hugely popular. The television, naturally, came to be a highly sought-after commodity in Hong Kong homes.
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Collection Campaign in Conjunction with Memories We Share:
Hong Kong in the 1960s and 1970s Exhibition
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