The real Britannia

Related: In the zone

"Historically, most of the European museums started in universities. While in the UK, for instance, in our museum, it was created when Wrigley died. He left his art collection to the town in his will. So the town built a gallery just for the collection," says Tony Trehy, director of Bury and Manchester International Museums Project.

He says it was in a period when towns were growing rapidly in the Industrial Revolution. To have a thing like a library, an art gallery, a town hall or a station was what made a real town. "You can see it's a very similar phenomenon in China, with rapid building and investment in infrastructure. It is an indication of confidence and growth."

The participating museums also come from a greater Manchester museum consortium, which organizes 29 members. It commits to touring the region's art legacies abroad and the exhibition is the first.

Trehy says in the UK and other European countries, because of the economic situation, arts and museums are vulnerable; and there are even talks about selling some of these historical collections.

One recent case reported by British media is that authorities of a London borough want to sell an iconic Henry Moore sculpture because of funding cuts. The decision has stirred up disputes and worries for public arts.

Another Moore bronze sculpture, Helmet Head No 5, from the Bolton Museum, is on display at the exhibition.

Li says it's quite fascinating that the collections from those public museums have woven a sophisticated network of art and history, in quite a vivid, comprehensive manner. "China is in the middle of a social transformation. We share much puzzlement and struggles to adapt during this period with what Britons had experienced at that time."

"The exhibition showcases the UK's rich public art collections. It reminds us that our museums lack permanent displays, and need much more investment in collecting," she says.

The exhibition will also tour Liaoning, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Henan and Hunan provinces until October 2013.

Contact the writer at linqi@chinadaily.com.cn.