Huang Xiayi (1885-1943), a native of Dongguan, Guangdong province, was an important and well-known revolutionary in Chinese modern history. He joined Tongmenghui with his like-minded friends such as Lin Zhimian (1888-1934) and was involved in the Guangzhou New Army Uprising and Yellow Flower Mound Uprising, among others. After the founding of the Republic of China, he was appointed as the first county mayor of Dongguan County. He was later named as the Director of the Guangdong Provincial Taxation Bureau, the Fujian Provincial Tobacco and Liquor Tax Director, and the 19th Route Army Major General. At the start of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1937, Huang returned to Dongguan. In 1943, he died in an airstrike launched by the Japanese during an inspection in Shaoguan, Guangdong.
Intellectuals frequently interacted with artists during the early Republic period, and Huang was one of such intellectuals. This collection is comprised of paintings and calligraphy gifted to him or purchased by him, and serves as witness to the development of traditional Chinese painting in the Lingnan region during the early 20th century. It also represents extraordinary aesthetic value and historical significance.

Dan Maoxin, who styled himself as Nugang, was a native of Rong County, Sichuan province. A modern Chinese revolutionary and political figure, Dan joined the Tongmenghui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance), also known as the Chinese United League, in his early years and assisted in the overthrowing of the Qing government as well as the subsequent founding of the Republic. After 1949, he assumed many roles, one of which was being a member of the Southwest Military and Political Committee. As an outstanding and devoted calligrapher, Dan was requested by many to write, on their behalf, with his remarkable talent.