G. Warren Swire (1883-1949) visited China numerous times during his tenure as a partner in his father's London-based firm, John Swire & Sons Ltd. He primarily dealt with the company's subsidiaries in China, which were managed by Taikoo (太古公司). Swire's photographs of the offices, wharves, and harbor facilities that Taikoo operated throughout China enabled him to manage his company's affairs in 'out East' from London.