Publications

The Northam Road Protestant Cemetery is probably the first burial ground to have been established following settlement of Penang by the British East India Company in 1786. It is certainly the first Christian cemetery, catering to both Roman Catholic and Protestant burials.

This richly illustrated, limited edition two-part set is the most definitive work ever published about the Protestant side of this cemetery. Covering all 464 surviving memorials and tombs, with background stories to most of the identifiable persons interred there, it captures an invaluable and enthralling snapshot of the lives of Penang’s inhabitants during the settlement’s first 100 years. It also contains a list of 1,437 names of other persons known to have been interred in the same cemetery during that time.

Unique cultural diversity, spanning more than two centuries of settlement, has left recognisable imprints throughout George Town World Heritage Site. They are reflected in its citizenry, its food, its festivals and trades, and its intriguing assortment of architectural styles. But who left these imprints and what are their stories?

Delving into the historical past of 75 prominent commercial and civic sites, this book reveals the stories of the individuals, families, corporations and institutions involved. Some have since passed into history; others have grown in strength and are still making history today.

These stories, accompanied by over 280 illustrations, will transport you back through the layers of time, providing a rare insight into the growth of commerce and advancement of civic life in this fledgling, and then thriving, city.

Little India remains a most colourful and dynamic enclave amongst the enchanting street networks and precints in the George Town World Heritage Site. It sustains cultural features unchanged from the past that coexist in harmony with newer, modern elements permeating this neighbourhood which is located in the north-eastern cape on Penang Island.

Lavishly illustrated with over 230 specially commissioned photographs and never-before-published historical images, Little India of George Town presents a pictorial record of contemporary life in the area and its evolution through the last two centuries. The book also offers interesting and little-known facts about various aspects related to the richly concentrated inner-city area, including glimpses into its history, communities, trades, landmarks, festivals, streetscape and architecture.

Take a journey into the nooks and crannies of Little India, unearth its existing riches and discover for yourself why it is cherished as one of the most remarkable cultural enclaves in Malaysia.

George Town in Penang is a teeming heritage city where the East and West have converged over the centuries to trade, celebrate and live. The city’s unique cultural and physical environment was recognised in its 2008 inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The city’s celebrated landscape is a reflection of its tightly-woven multi-cultural community that has fostered a unique spirit of place, shaped by the shared aspirations and over 200 years of interaction.

George Town’s cohesive environment has encouraged the continuation of age-old traditions, as well as the transfer of artisanal skills and trades through the generations. The book Penang’s Living Legacy feature 36 unique heritage trades and offers a rare glimpse of the skills and talents of its practitioners.

The glove puppet theatre of East and Southeast Asia – known as potehi – is one of the oldest and best-loved performing arts traditions. This bilingual multimedia box set – containing a lavishly illustrated book, two charming flipbooks, a spectacular stage pop-up, attractive posters and a captivating performance DVD – presents a comprehensive account of the rich history and current practice of potehi in Penang, Malaysia.

Starting with an historical account of how glove puppet theatre came to Penang and its ritualistic roots, the authors trace every aspect of the heritage, principles and techniques of four present-day troupes: the performers, patrons and audiences; the rituals and celebrations; the anatomy of the stages and the puppets themselves; the stories, scripts and music; and the control and manipulation of the puppets.

Based on extensive research and observation, Potehi Glove Puppet Theatre of Penang brings to life the artistry of the magical world of puppets and puppet theatre – and passes it on to a new generation.