BAMBOO blinds provide the necessary coolness for the houses and shops all around the Ipoh old town. Here, most of them come from the magic hands of Mr Lau Chee Wah, 85-years-old. He learned the craft as a child from his father and grandfather.
With the introduction of industrially made blinds, his business no longer generates much profit, yet he perseveres as no one is interested in continuing the tradition.
I met him for the first time two years ago. Since my wife, an artist, had painted him at work, we also documented him on video, but mostly I visit him on a regular basis to capture precious moments of his passion. I took many images while witnessing him creating his masterpieces.
Even though we do not speak any common language, we always manage to have some kind of understanding between us – the communication eased by his eternal smile.
In the last 18 months, he has been forced to keep his door shut which made life very difficult for him, living alone, deprived of his work and basic income. If you do come to Ipoh, pay him a visit and order one of the last remaining handmade bamboo blinds in the country. – The Vibes, October 17, 2021
被遗忘的行业（三）竹帘 / Dying Craft (3) Bamboo Blind[Sign of time] Lau Hooi Kee, the only bamboo blind maker in Ipoh. 【岁月痕迹】由于大量媒体报导，相信很多人都知道怡保老街锡米巷的刘开记，许多今天依然存在的夕阳手艺大概都是60年代起由第三代接手至今。今年82岁的刘志华先生是我们【岁月痕迹】目前最年长的一位，也依然非常健壮。他说，即使九十岁以后，能做依然还会做下去。 地址/Address ：15, Lorong Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh. 联络电话/Contact: +605 254 2972
Posted by 瞬·moments on Friday, July 19, 2019
Philippe Durant is a Belgian expat photographer currently residing in Ipoh
