Tokyo Story pays homage to Utagawa Hiroshige’s (1797-1858) last great work the One Hundred Famous Views of Edo (1856-58). Hiroshige’s series was made at a time of huge upheaval in Japan, induced by both the threat and opportunity of Western imperialism. This poetic series of Edo meisho (famous places of old Tokyo) indirectly reflects upon this moment of rapid change and the subsequent pressure on the environment and cultural heritage. Transposing his distinctive techniques of abstraction, vivid colouring and composition into photography, Tokyo Story is Emily’s own record of the city from a contemporary perspective. Shot on location in Tokyo, she visited many of the locations depicted in Hiroshige’s ‘views’ and the resulting composite images reveal a gentle social narrative for the city today.
All the works are in an edition of 10 + 2 APs and available in two formats: Transparency on bespoke LED Lightbox (Edition of 4. Image size: 116.4 x 81.5 cm) and Framed Archival Photographic Print (Edition of 6. Image size: 85 x 60 cm)
Update May 2025: “I am delighted and honoured to announce that the British Museum have acquired a complete set of Tokyo Story for their permanent collection. Knowing that these works are in the custodianship of such an important institution, along with the original woodblock prints by Hiroshige, is thrilling and a very special moment in my career.”
One of the works (‘Tokyo Story 12: Spring Festival’) was included in the British Museum’s Hiroshige – Artist of the Open Road exhibition, which ran from 1 May – 7 September 2025, as well as in the accompanying exhibition catalogue. Another print from the series (‘Tokyo Story 2: Bridge’) was also on display in the Museum’s Japanese Gallery during this period.
The complete set of twelve prints can now be viewed through the British Museum’s online database: Collection search | British Museum.
Nov 2020: Emily Allchurch completed two new artworks inspired by Utagawa Hiroshige’s ‘One Hundred Famous Views of Edo’.
These additional digital collages recreate two woodblock prints from Hiroshige’s masterpiece, ‘One Hundred Famous Views of Edo’ (1856-58), forming a contemporary perspective using Allchurch’s own photographs taken in Shizuoka Prefecture. Captured in these images are Koi carp streamers, flown to celebrate Children’s Day, the fishing grounds of Bentenjima, and the majestic Mount Fuji viewed from across Suruga Bay.
An edition of 30 archival pigment prints on A4 Hahnemühle photo rag paper was offered for sale as part of Matthew Burrows MBE’s Artist Support Pledge iniative.
Picture Window (after Hiroshige) 2020 – ASP EDITION: SOLD OUT
Spring Festival (after Hiroshige) 2020 – ASP EDITION: SOLD OUT
Image size: 19 x 27 cm
Archival pigment print on A4 Hahnemühle photo rag paper
£200 each + VAT and postage
Please note that these two additional pieces are still available in an edition of 10 + 2 APs in the usual larger sizes and formats, as part of the regular presentation and pricing, outside of the ASP scheme.
Tokyo Story (after Hiroshige).pdf
Francis Hodgson: Tokyo Story.pdf