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| The national Art gallery, Chennai, Flicker.com |
Above image: The National Art gallery Museum built in Indo-Saracenic style. Tall arched entrance to the museum with a small balcony.\ above..............
The National Art Gallery in Egmore, Chennai, is an architectural marvel one of India's oldest art galleries, located within the Government Museum Complex on Pantheon Road. Complex on Pantheon Road. It is the second oldest museum in India after Kolkata built in 1851. There are many architecturally rich heritage buildings within the museum complex. including the popular popular Connemara library which is largely frequented by scholars and researchers.
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| National Art gallery building madrasmusings.com |
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| National Art gallery building,Chennai shutterstock.com |
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| National Art gallery building,Chennai image. Shasta upload.wikimedia.org |
Irish Anglican Architect Henry Erwin en.wikipedia.org
The National Gallery, also known as the Victoria Memorial Hall that was built in Indo-Saracenic style in 1906. The architect was Henry Irwin (1841-1922), who like Robert Chisholm preferred Indo-European design for certain public buildings across India. He was a prolific design engineer and his other works included the Mysore palace, Madras High Court, Chennai Central (MGR) Railway Station, Madurai American College, Gaiety theater in Shimla (Himachal pradesh), etc
In order to give a better look, Architect Irwin carefully chose the red stones sourced from Satyavedu in Andhra Pradesh for construction with features like, grand arches, and domes, Chhatries and intricate detailing that reflect a fusion of Indian, Islamic, and Gothic architectural elements. The structure was originally built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee (her 50th anniversary of accession to the throne on 20 June 1837). This structure has since been recognized as a heritage site by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority.
The gallery houses an extensive collection of artwork, including Mughal paintings, rare works of Raja Ravi Varma, Tanjore paintings, and miniatures from Rajasthan, Kangra, and the Deccan regions. Portraits of notable British officials such as Lord Connemara and Lord William Bentinck add historical value to the collection. Exquisite sandalwood sculptures, ivory objects, and rare artefacts are on display and they enhance its cultural significance.
If you go back a couple of decades ago, like many heritage structures across India, the beautiful colonial structure was poorly maintained by the officials. The hundred-year-old National Art Gallery in the Government museum complex in Egmore had been locked and unattended for several years. Closed in 2002 due to structural damage, as a result of utter negligence by the authorities drawing criticism from art enthusiasts as well as from heritage lovers. prolonged neglect led to the development of structural issues and wall cracks.
Further delay was caused by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) as the officials were keen to leave the matter to a reviewing committee that would look into the the proposed repair work within the purview of conservation rules and norms.
This further angered the public as there was already some resentment over the shortage of display space that got reduced further. Many galleries could display roughly 77% to 75% of the display items and keep the rest in reserve. The bronze dallery had to be content with inadequate space for display.
At last in 2019, the restoration efforts began with a budget of ₹110 million, aiming to preserve its historical and artistic legacy. Upon reopening, the gallery showcased 200 unique exhibits, reinstating its place as a premier cultural institution. The National Art Gallery stands as a testament to Chennai’s rich artistic heritage, blending architectural grandeur with India’s diverse artistic traditions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Art_Gallery,_Chennai
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