Delhi Taj Mahal: From lobbies to corridors, hotel has been a champion of eclectic art
The story goes that when the hotel was being built, Anjolie Ela Menon who carved an entire mural for the hotel, would take breaks by the pool along with Elizabeth Kerkar, who was the interior designer.
The Taj Mahal Hotel, the grand landmark that defines the Capital has turned 38. From its inception in 1978, the hotel has been a champion of eclectic art.
The story goes that when the hotel was being built, Anjolie Ela Menon who carved an entire mural for the hotel, would take breaks by the pool along with Elizabeth Kerkar, who was the interior designer.
She climbed a ladder to complete the wall-long mural. Cut to 2007, the staff says Menon did not think twice before asking for a ladder to restore the same mural that is now a part of signature restaurant, Varq.
JEWELS OF THE TAJ
From its lobbies to corridors and restaurants, the founders have ensured that art, in different forms, is placed everywhere for guests to enjoy and appreciate.
The Taj Group is said to house 200 masterpieces and 3,000 prints, sourced from museums and galleries. And though most of them are with the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai, Taj Mansigh also has a fair share of gems.
Satyajeet Krishnan, General Manager, The Taj Mahal Hotel says, "The Taj Mahal Hotel, New Delhi, an icon in India's capital city, has always been a proud purveyor of art, heritage, culture and timeless traditions. Over the years, The Taj Mahal Hotel has celebrated art in its various forms.
It houses spectacular art and artefacts, from some of the most renowned and celebrated artists. " There is a distinct Mughal influence in the lobby. The doors, windows and shutters carved with mille fleurs, the altar cloth embroidered in the style of the Mughal masnad and the talismanic bowls made of copper and brass that become backdrops for many selfies are all original pieces from 18th century, Shahjahanbad.
An MF Husain hangs proudly on the wall of the Chambers and the Chamber corridor is lined with caricatures of Winston Churchill, Ravi Shankar, Mother Teresa, Mountbatten, Satyajit Ray, among others, by RK Laxman- the pioneer of cartoon in India.
Many a times, the guests who stay in the luxury suites spot an exquisite piece of art on the wall and ask for its price. It is after all, not common to come across Jamini Roy, Redappa Naidu or a Manu Parekh during your hotel stay.
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