Beijing, China
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
10:35 PM
Updated 9/17/26 & 9/19/26
Today has been another monumental chapter in David’s and my Great Wall Journey.
This afternoon we attended, and I spoke, at a preview exhibit and reception held at the Beijing residence of Peter Wilson, CMG, the British Ambassador to China. About 50 or more people attended this first exhibition of the “lost archive” of world explorer William Edgar Geil — photos, negatives, slides, notes, maps, letters & journals — found in my brother John’s basement after he died last year.
The theme and goal of the event is to use these new materials to continue and deepen the history of The Great Wall of Two Williams: William Edgar Geil and William Lindesay.
William Lindesay, his wife Wu Qi and son Tommy came to Michigan last year to open some 22 boxes and trunks, assess it all, and take it to China where it is being organized for exhibitions, books, articles and films. Today was the first time just a portion has been displayed.
This press release provides the details and backstory for today’s event, graciously hosted by Ambassador Wilson. It was a huge success.
cutting their wedding cake would end up on display 85 years later in Beijing in the residence of the British Ambassador to China.
The event opened with introductory remarks by Ambassador Wilson, followed by a talk by William Lindesay.
I was next up and delivered these remarks which David recorded:
Following me, two Chinese history experts talked about the Great Wall.
Rockstar for a Day
I was not prepared for what followed the program, being as I’m the adoptive grandson of William Geil traveling to China 118 years after he walked the Great Wall. I was besieged for photographs, video shots, interviews and autographs. There were journalists and reporters from various publications including China Daily. I was also showered with gifts and mementoes.
William Lindesay was yesterday’s rockstar when we visited the Great Wall. Today was my day.
The Ambassadors Meeting
Following the main program British Ambassador Wilson invited other ambassadors from other countries assigned to China to view the exhibit. I didn’t count, but perhaps 30 or so attended. I didn’t count so am not certain.
The U.S. Ambassador to China, David Perdue, was there. He and I met and chatted briefly. My role in this event was less significant as the ambassadors primarily talked among themselves.
I found Ambassador Wilson extremely gracious, friendly and engaging. He’s very nice and clearly a strong supporter of restoring Geil’s place in Great Wall history — indeed the ‘Great Wall of Two Williams’.
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