Chang the Chinese Giant poster Royal Aquarium London – c1880

Chang the Chinese Giant poster Royal Aquarium London – c1880 This Chang the Chinese Giant poster captures a man at the height of his career. The world of Victorian entertainment was a captivating spectacle, fueled by an insatiable curiosity for the extraordinary. One such figure that captured the public imagination was Chang Woo Gow, better known by his stage name, “Chang the Chinese Giant.” This captivating Chang the Chinese Giant poster offers a glimpse into the life of this towering figure, inviting us to explore the man behind the spectacle. Standing at an impressive eight feet tall, Chang’s exceptional height was likely due to a rare condition known as gigantism. Born Zhan Shichai in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China, sometime in the 1840s, the exact details surrounding his birth remain shrouded in a touch of mystery. In his teens, Chang’s life took a dramatic turn when he was spotted by Englishman James Marquis Chisholm, who recognised the potential for Chang to become a captivating public figure. Chang’s journey to stardom began in 1865 when he left China for London. There, he debuted at the Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, captivating audiences with his imposing stature. Interestingly, the Chang the Chinese Giant poster you see here likely depicts him from a later period, perhaps around 1880, when he was performing in a review as part of Wieland’s Realities!” This detail highlights the poster’s significance, offering a rare glimpse into a specific chapter of Chang’s performing career. Victorian England was a fertile ground for “freak shows,” exhibitions featuring individuals with unique physical attributes. These shows thrived on a complex mix of curiosity, a desire to understand human variation, and perhaps even a tinge of schadenfreude. The Chang the Chinese Giant poster embodies this era’s fascination with the unusual. Chang, however, transcended the typical “freak show” stereotype. Described by his friends as “one of the noblest and gentlest of men,” Chang possessed a remarkable intellect and was a skilled linguist, even mastering up to ten languages throughout his travels. Chang’s career flourished. He toured extensively across Europe, captivating audiences in New Zealand and Australia as well. In 1880, the legendary American showman P.T. Barnum enticed Chang to cross the Atlantic with a lucrative offer of $500 a month. Chang’s arrival in New York in December 1880 marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. He readily adapted, even donning various costumes, from traditional Mandarin robes to French military uniforms, to entertain audiences. Following a return to China, Chang settled in Bournemouth, England, with his second wife, Scouser Catherine Santley, and their two sons. Sadly, Chang’s life was cut short in 1893, likely due to complications from tuberculosis. He was only around 50 years old. The Chang the Chinese Giant poster transcends its role as a mere advertisement. It offers a captivating window into a bygone era, a time when the extraordinary held immense public fascination. While original Chang the Chinese Giant posters are rare and highly sought-after collector’s items, here at heritage-posters.co.uk, we offer high-quality reproductions that capture the essence of the original artwork. These captivating reproductions are perfect for history buffs, fans of Victoriana, or anyone who appreciates a touch of the extraordinary. Imagine this poster displayed in your home – a conversation starter and a captivating reminder of a remarkable life story.