Gateway of India’s Construction in Bombay, 1922 Photo
A rare 1922 glass slide photograph shows the construction of the Gateway of India in Bombay (now Mumbai). This historic image captures the iconic monument while it was still being built, offering a unique glimpse into its early architectural progress.
The photograph is preserved on a glass slide, a popular format in the early 20th century. This was viewed using a special glass slide projector to magnify and display the image on a wall. Such archival visuals provide valuable insight into colonial-era Bombay and the making of one of India’s most famous landmarks.
The Gateway of India, stands majestically on Apollo Bunder, near the historic Fort area, overlooking the Arabian Sea. This monumental arch was built to commemorate the royal visit of King George V and Queen Mary in 1911–1912, making them the only reigning British monarchs to ever visit India during the British Raj. Today, the Gateway of India remains a celebrated heritage attraction and a must-visit destination in Mumbai.
Did you know – less than two years after the monument’s inauguration, George Wittet passed away in 1926, at the early age of forty-eight.
From the collection – 1964 M. Suriyamoorthy Charcoal Art Abstract (#16).
