Beneath the elegant facade of the Somekh Appartments lies a tale of ambition resilience and journalistic courage. The Somekh Building stands as a testament to Shanghai’s vibrant past. It embodies the spirit of a city that has weathered countless storms.
In 1891, Bension Aaron Somekh arrived in Shanghai. He began working for Sassoon Foreign Firm. Later, he founded his own foreign firm and amassed a considerable fortune. Sadly, Somekh passed away in 1927 before seeing his building’s completion. His legacy lived on in this magnificent structure.
Completed in 1928, the Somekh Building soon became intertwined with the story of “Wen Wei Po”. This newspaper agency played a crucial role during a turbulent era. Founded during the Anti-Japanese War, Wen Wei Po found a home within the Somekh Building’s walls.
When Japanese invaders occupied Shanghai in 1937, they imposed strict censorship on Chinese newspapers. Unwilling to submit, the founders of Wen Wei Po established their newspaper in the Shanghai International Settlement on January 25, 1938. The newspaper championed national justice. It maintained an unwavering anti-Japanese stance. This earned it widespread support from Shanghai citizens.
However, the Japanese retaliated swiftly. Just 18 days after its establishment, Wen Wei Po faced poisoning attempts bombings and intimidation. Despite these threats, Wen Wei Po refused to surrender. Instead, it found creative ways to boost readers’ morale.
In May 1939, Wen Wei Po organized a readers’ group tour. It included the Catholic Church Tushan Bay and the Hongqiao Road Battle Site. This campaign attracted men women and children. Recruitment soared to 1000 participants. However, the publisher eventually surrendered to the Wang Jingwei Puppet Government. The newspaper was forced to suspend publication.
Following the Anti-Japanese War’s victory, Wen Wei Po resumed publication in the Somekh Building on September 6, 1945. But in 1947, it faced closure again. This was due to its support for the democratic patriotic movement in Kuomintang-ruled areas. After Shanghai’s liberation, Wen Wei Po once again reopened in the Somekh Building. Today, it remains a highly influential media outlet in Shanghai.
In 2009, the Somekh Building underwent sandblasting and repairs. The 8-story structure regained its pure white elegance. It exudes a warm Renaissance fragrance. It avoids the coldness of steel and concrete.
Stepping inside the Somekh Building one notices five round white lamps. They resemble snow-white planets. Back then, this building was filled with Wen Wei Po’s deep patriotism. The lively editorial department seems to come alive before our eyes. The lingering smell of ink still permeates the air.
In 2021, SHISUO design office renovated the Somekh Building. The renovation covered the entrance foyer exhibition space event space and atrium. They also worked on the open staircase and lift lobby. The architects carefully repaired the damaged floor in the entrance foyer. They extended the wall in aggregate concrete to create a sheltered space.
The entrance door’s form draws inspiration from the Art-Deco style. Star-shaped concrete beams are exposed on the ceiling. A brass chandelier illuminates the space. The teak datum in the exhibition space was restored. The column cap was carefully restored. A brass spiral staircase connects the first and second floors.
The Somekh Building stands as a symbol of resilience. It is a reminder of the power of journalism and the enduring spirit of Shanghai. Its walls echo with the stories of those who fought for justice and freedom. The Somekh Appartments remain an integral part of Shanghai’s cultural heritage.