I was always appreciative and fascinated by the Imperial Heritage of Bengal and Calcutta. Amidst all the changes, the city still retains the pristine charm of the Raj era architecture, which are subjects of my deep interest and photographic narratives. Not only as visual documentation, but trying to create artistic compositions to capture the aristocratic ambience and exclusivity of many such buildings and premises, some of which are inaccessible to unrestricted public entry.
I had created a photo album book on the 200 year old, magnifiecnt Government House at Calcutta, modelled after the Kedleston Hall of Derbyshire. The foreword was penned by Gopalkrishna Gandhi, H.E the former Governor of West Bengal. As a sequel, I have photographed the Belvedere, estate of the erstwhile Lieutenant Governor of Bengal, The Flagstaff house, the Temple of Fame and the gardens at Barrackpore and the Government House at Darjeeling.
These buildings are witness to history and story of the Kings, Queens and princes; famous statesmen and soldiers; wars, treaties and reclamations; in fact everything that goes to the making of history will show what important and central position these Government Houses held in British India during the whole of the memorable 19th century, continuing into Independent India in the present times. This composite narrative is titled : 'Glimpses of Regal Bengal - The Government House and Estates'.
A selection from this narrative has been mounted as an exhibition at the Government House of Calcutta. It was inaugurated by the Honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal in presence of H.E The Governor and other dignitaries. The exhibition will remain in public display at the Victoria Memorial Hall till mid September '2012 and then come back to The Government House, where the pictures will be put up permanent display.
Few photographs from this work, as well as other narratives on Calcutta, mainly bordering on the Imperial heritage, are presented in the 'Imperial Gallery' of my simple website : https://sites.google.com/site/anirbanmitranow/home
I cordially invite you all to visit. I shall be honoured to know your impressions.
With kind regards. Your's sincerely,
Anirban Mitra.
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