China's International Butler Academy
Butlery students make final preparations before an inspection of their uniforms at The International Butler Academy China in Chengdu, Sept. 16, 2014.
Over the last several years, there has been a surge in demand among China's wealthy for Western-trained butlers, with many academies seeing large portions of their graduating classes hired by Chinese families or companies. To meet this growing demand, The International Butler Academy China began administering classes, describing themselves as the first permanent, accredited butler school in China offering multiweek courses run by professional butlers.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Butlery students stand for inspection once they arrive in the morning.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Christopher Noble, an instructor at The International Butler Academy China, demonstrates the proper technique to pour wine.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A student irons napkins before buttling at a formal dinner at The International Butler Academy China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A butlery student stands for a portrait at The International Butler Academy China in Chengdu, China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Butlery students polish china and silverware in preparation for a formal dinner.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A student uses a ruler to measure the distance between forks before a formal dinner at The International Butler Academy China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Students work together to set a formal dinner using rulers and tape measures.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A butlery student sits at a formal dining table framed by wine glasses.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A butlery student steams a tablecloth in preparation for a formal dinner.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A student uses a razor to clean wax drippings off of a candle at The International Butler Academy China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Butlery students polish china in preparation for a formal dinner at The International Butler Academy China in Chengdu, China, Sept. 16, 2014.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A butlery student polishes glassware in preparation for a formal dinner at The International Butler Academy China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Butlery students stand for a portrait at The International Butler Academy China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
A butlery student stands for a portrait at The International Butler Academy China.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Students wait outside to greet guests and help them from their cars before a formal dinner.
Chengdu's International Butler Academy
Students take a nap during their break after working a 14 hour shift at The International Butler Academy China.