LONDON.- The Brunei Gallery - SOAS will present Vintage Singapore - Souvenirs from the Recent Past, an exhibition from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore, on view January 22 through March 21, 2009. Rising from the ashes of World War II, post-war Singapore emerged as a Phoenix in search of a renaissance. instinctively seeking change, Singaporeans sought new beginnings in areas as diverse as governance and culture. Looking inward, innovative solutions for housing and industry meant fundamental changes to the Singaporean way of life. Conversely, engaging the world as a small independent country dictated that Singaporeans necessarily absorbed more tthan they could give. Back in this heady period when the twain did actually meet, a new Singapore sprang forth.

Vintage Singapore pays tribute to the dynamism that pulsed through her post-war arteries. While the memories of old Singapore become ever distant, this exhibition showcases rare footages and iconic objects of the period as 'tangible memoris' of the glory days from 1950's to 1970's; public housing, film, fashion, food, etc. Through displays of unabashed nostalgia, this exhibition 'looks back' so as to highlight some anchors for the Singaporean identity as the nation rides the rapids in the future.