Continuing links with Japan

Henry Dyer kept in touch with Japanese affairs after his return to Glasgow. He befriended the many Japanese students who came to study in Glasgow and was instrumental in introducing Japanese as a foreign language for the purpose of entry in to Glasgow University. In many ways he served as a link between the local community and the nation of Japan and was a kind of unofficial ambassador for Japan.

On returning from Japan he brought with him a wide range of Japanese artefacts including a large selection of Japanese prints and water colours which were donated after his death to Edinburgh City Library.

Recently a valuable 44ft scroll from the Henry Dyer collection painted by Furuyama Moromasa was identified in the Edinburgh Central Library. Part of the scroll is shown below courtesy of Edinburgh City Council. Some more photos of the scroll may be seen at capital collections and a description of the scroll can be seen here.

He also brought back a selection of musical instruments which were donated to the Glasgow Art Galleries and Museum.

Henry Dyer's book Dai Nippon (Great Japan) shows clearly his continuing interest in Japan and all things Japanese. It is understood that he nearly returned to Japan on one occasion to receive an award from top Japanese engineers for his services to Japanese engineering but, due to the onset of the Russian Japanese war in 1904, the award was made in Britain by the Japanese Ambassador.