Constructing The Gateway Of India Bombay, 1922 Glass Slide Photo.
An old 1922 glass slide photo, constructing the Gateway of India in Bombay, now Mumbai. It shows an interesting and rare view of the construction of the Gateway of India that is underway. A glass slide photo is used with a special glass slide projector which magnifies the image on the wall.
The monumental commemorative Gateway is located on Apollo Bunder, close to Fort area, facing the Arabian Sea. One of Mumbai’s or perhaps the whole of India’s most iconic landmarks. Erected to commemorate the second unique visit of King George V and Queen Mary. The only British Monarch to visit India (during the rule of the British Raj). Which took place between 1911 to 1912.
The Royal visit was of importance, not only because of the Delhi Durbar but also because King George V laid the cornerstone for the establishment of the new capital Delhi. During the visit, George Wittet, who was a consulting architect for the Bombay Presidency, established a temporary but impressive Triumphal Arch for the Royal couple’s reception ceremony.
The king was impressed with the triumphal arch, it is no wonder Wittet’s design for the Gateway of India structure was naturally accepted. Besides, Wittet had experience in designing the Prince of Wales Museum and The Royal Institute of Science buildings in Bombay. Lord Sydenham, Governor of the Bombay Presidency, laid the foundation stone of the Gateway in 1913. It was completed in 1924.
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)., The Cooum Once Charming River Of Madras, 1920 PC., Inauguration of New Parliament Delhi – Old Print 1927.
