Hyderabad: Old paintings, including some exclusively ordered by the Nizam VII from the Ajanta Caves that had been kept in store rooms for ages, have been taken out for conservation for the first time. These will later be put on display in the State Museum at the Public Gardens.
Though some of the paintings were in a dilapidated condition, conservationists said they could be restored since they had been untouched.
Director of TS department of Archaeology and Museums N.R. Visalatchy has roped in Mr Anupam Shah, head of the Conservation Art Centre, Chhatra-pati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mumbai and his team to help the museum restore the paintings and other art objects.
One of the old paintings at the State Museum which was kept in the storeroom. (Photo: DC)
“The paintings are not just artistic works, but have great historical significance and are great records of history. Some paintings are going to be 100 years old in two years time. It’s great that they have survived. Luckily they were not touched and were kept in storeroom-like premises. They may be put on display,” Mr Shah said.
Asked about the condition of the paintings, he said some were damaged but by and large they were in good condition and could be put on display with proper care. “We are planning human resource development. We are training staff of museums on preservation and conservation of all collections including paintings, paper manuscripts, terracotta, stone sculptures, bronze and other artefacts,” he said.
