The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation has been one of the few institutions to have participated in the Madras Week celebrations from its early years. This time around, it brings ‘Madras Then...’ an exhibition of rare prints of paintings of the city and ‘Once Upon A Time... in Madras’ a calendar for the year 2015 featuring some of these images. Compiled from ‘Madras Then...Chennai Now’, a book co-authored by Dr. Nanditha Krishna, the exhibition captures scenes from a bygone era. Fort St. George, Armenian bridge, Black Town and even docked Masoola boats are some of the sights depicted.
Curated by Kausalya Santhanam, a consultant with the foundation, the gallery presents a visual history through etchings, ‘aqua tints’ and early photographs of Madras and its people. For Dr. Krishna, it is the evocative details of the pictures that leave a lasting impression. She said, “They recreate that period with such realism, and that’s what I think people will take away with them.”
The chief guest at the launch Dr. Vyjayanthimala Bali expressed her joy at being associated with the initiative in the context of Madras Day celebrations. She said “Madras is home to me. It is where I grew up. And I love the city.” The calendar can be pre-ordered. Responding to why she is bound by the history of the city, Dr. Krishna said, “My family has been so involved with the city for many generations. I feel like I cannot but be connected to the city’s journey.” Dr. Krishna is the director of the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation.
