Lu, Earl (1925– 2005) Doctor, artist and philanthropist. Born in Hong Kong, Earl Lu Ming Teh was a medical graduate of the University of Sydney. He settled in Singapore in 1958, and was mentored by pioneer painter Chen Wen Hsi. He later emerged as a premier authority on Chen’s works. Lu has been eulogized as a romantic ‘painter of roses’, for his expressive works in Chinese ink. He was also an accomplished figurative and landscape artist who attended life drawing classes and travel expeditions led by fellow art advocate, Majorie Chu.

Lu served in the Singapore Armed Forces’ Field Hospital, and was reputedly the first surgeon to have operated on acute appendicitis in the field in 1974. He was awarded the Commendation Medal (Military Gold) (1985), made a justice of the peace (1990) and awarded the Public Service Star (1995). He lectured at University of Malaya and the Royal College of Surgeons of Australia. He was also examiner in anatomy and physiology at the National University of Singapore, and started a private surgery practice in partnership with Dr Yeoh Ghim Seng.

Coming from a family of art- collectors, Lu developed an extensive knowledge of Asian art and ceramics, and was president of the Southeast Asian Ceramics Society and Society of Chinese Artists. He was founding chairman of the Singapore Art Museum (1992– 2000), and also chaired the Lee Kong Chian Museum’s Acquisitions Committee and the Istana Art Advisory Committee (2000– 05). He was also a member of the National Heritage Board and United Overseas Bank Art Committee.

Lu’s philanthropic efforts included the donation of his Southeast Asian ceramics collection to the Asian Civilisations Museum, and a collection of paintings by Chen Wen Hsi to the Singapore Art Museum. The Earl Lu Gallery (opened in 1986) was named after him, following his donation of art works to the Lasalle- SIA College of the Arts.