A month-long exhibition of rare photographs and researched text on Sir George Gilbert Scott's works in Mumbai and outside, provides visitors with an in-depth look at how Mumbai University got its famous Library, Convocation Hall and the Rajabai Clock Tower
A month-long exhibition of rare photographs and researched text on Sir George Gilbert Scott's works in Mumbai and outside, provides visitors with an in-depth look at how Mumbai University got its famous Library, Convocation Hall and the Rajabai Clock Tower
In an unusual coincidence, when three bombs went off in Mumbai on Wednesday, on that same date, 200 years ago, a man who gave the city some of its most distinctive features was born. Sir George Gilbert Scott, the eminent British architect, who gave the city Mumbai University's famous Library, Convocation Hall and Rajabai Clock Tower, was born on July 13, 1811. To mark this occasion, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya in Colaba is holding an exhibition about Scott; his works, in Mumbai and the outside; and Gothic architecture, which he excelled in, from July 13 to August 12. 
Sir George Gilbert Scott (Inset).u00a0An undated photograph of the
University's buildings
The exhibition features rare photographs of the master's works, with text that has been researched by city-based historian Sharda Dwivedi. It contains a total of eight sections, providing in-depth information and visuals of not only Scott, but also the mood in the city during the 1800s and the contribution of Mumbai's many personalities.
Assistant Curator of the museum, Prasanna Mangrulkar, who has been actively involved with the exhibition, says, "Many in the city see the beauty of structures like the University buildings, but know little about who was behind them."
The exhibition, while introducing people to the vast expanse of work done by Scott during his lifetime, also showcases how Mumbai in the mid and late 1800s was part of the Gothic architecture movement that was enveloping much of Europe, says Mangrulkar.
The exhibition looks at the cotton boom that occurred in Mumbai during the same period (because America, with its civil war, was unable to supply cotton to Europe) and how eminent city personalities like Premchand Roychand and Jehangir Cowasjee Readymoney played a role in the completion of the University's buildings by helping with funds.
In what will prove to be a major draw for history buffs, the exhibition also has a detailed section on the correspondence between Scott and the University administration, his designs of the University buildings and issues regarding the proposed budgets for the structures.
However, as the exhibition shows, Scott was not the only person responsible for these buildings. The project was handed over by the University to local architects Molecey and Paris, who also designed other important buildings like Elphinstone College.
A significant part of the exhibition is devoted to Molecey and Paris, while exploring whether the Indian Mughal architecture influences seen in these buildings were part of Scott's original design or creative additions by Molecey and Paris.
ADVERTISEMENT
At: July 13-August 12, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, MG Road, Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg, Kala Ghoda
Call: 22844484
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
