The Eric Liddell Community has announced a new exhibition, ‘Eric Liddell and Weifang’, organised by the Weihsien West Civilians Concentration Camp Site Museum, showcasing the life and legacy of Eric Liddell – a Scottish Olympic gold medallist and missionary – and his time at the Weihsien Concentration Camp in China during World War II.
The free-to-attend and bilingual exhibition, which launched on Thursday 22nd of August, will run until Saturday the 14th of September and sits within the South Wing of The Eric Liddell Community in the heart of Bruntsfield, Edinburgh. Visitors can expect to see for the first time information and photographs to gain insights into how Eric Liddell is remembered and honoured in Weifang, China. It also highlights the deep historical and cultural connections between Scotland and China.
Eric Liddell – whose story was depicted in the 1981 Oscar-winning film, ‘Chariots of Fire’ – was a devout Christian who famously withdrew from the 100m heats at the 1924 Paris Olympics because they were held on a Sunday. Instead, he competed in the 400m event, where he secured his place in history as the last British athlete to win gold in this event. In 1943, Liddell was interned at the Japanese-run Weihsien Concentration Camp in Weifang, Shandong Province, until his death in 1945. Here Liddell was held alongside over 1,500 civilians from 20 allied countries, including 500 children. Despite the harsh conditions, Liddell’s spirit and leadership shone brightly, and he was often referred to as the “brightest star” in the camp, organising sports activities to boost morale and teaching the children who affectionately called him “Uncle Eric.”
The exhibition launched on Thursday the 22nd of August and saw a distinguished gathering of guests and prominent members from both Scottish and Chinese communities attend, showcasing the strong ties and collaborative efforts between the two cultures. Around 40 guests attended the opening ceremony, including representatives from the Chinese Consulate General in Edinburgh, the Scottish Confucius Institute for Business and Communication at Heriot-Watt University, and visitors from the Weihsien Museum and Weifang authorities. The exhibition was formally unveiled by Zhang Biao (Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh), Xuchun Zhao (Secretary-General of the CPC Weifang Municipal Committee), John MacMillan (CEO of The Eric Liddell Community), and Sue Caton (Eric Liddell’s niece).
John McMillan, CEO of The Eric Liddell 100, said: “We are honoured to host this exhibition, which not only commemorates Eric Liddell’s extraordinary courage and dedication but also celebrates the enduring ties between Scotland and China. Eric’s story is one of resilience, faith, and compassion – values that continue to inspire us today.”
Lijun Su, Deputy Director of Weifang Department of Culture and Tourism, said: “We are deeply honoured to bring the ‘Eric Liddell and Weifang’ exhibition to Edinburgh in collaboration with The Eric Liddell Community. Eric Liddell’s legacy in Weifang is one of compassion, resilience, and a commitment to serving others, even in the most challenging circumstances. This exhibition not only highlights his enduring impact on our community but also strengthens the cultural and historical ties between Weifang and Scotland. We hope that through this exhibition, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Eric Liddell’s life and the shared history that connects our two communities.”
The Eric Liddell 100 campaign, launched by The Eric Liddell Community in 2022, continues to honour the life and achievements of Eric Liddell. Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, serves as the Patron of The Eric Liddell 100.
