The David Sassoon Library and Reading Room is a famous library and heritage structure in Mumbai, India. The idea for a library to be situated in the center of the city came from Albert Sassoon, son of the famous Baghdadi Jewish philanthropist, David Sassoon.[1]
| David Sassoon Library | |
|---|---|
 David Sassoon Library in May 2023 | |
| Type | Library |
| Location | Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort, Mumbai, India |
| Coordinates | 18°55′40″N 72°49′52″E / 18.92772°N 72.83116°E |
| Built | 1870 |
| Restored | 2023 |
| Restored by | Abha Narain Lambah Associates with JSW Foundation |
| Architect | J. Campbell and G. E. Gosling |
| Architectural style(s) | Gothic Revival, Venetian Gothic |
  Location of David Sassoon Library in Mumbai  David Sassoon Library (India) | |
| Criteria | Cultural: (ii) (iv) |
| Designated | 2018 (43rd session) |
| Part of | Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai |
| Reference no. | 1480 |
History
editIn 1847, European employees working in the Government Mint and the Dockyard in Mumbai started the Mechanics' Institution to provide technical education to adults and to hold lectures. Initially, they operated from leased premises until they relocated to their own facility, which was made possible by the support of David Sassoon. Later, the establishment was named the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room.[2]
The structure, built in the architectural style of Victorian Neogothic during the period from 1867 to 1870, maintains its original colonial allure. It features pointed arches, columns adorned with animal motifs, and intricately designed trusses and ceilings made of Burma teak wood. Now a Grade I heritage structure, the library's building is among the earliest constructions in the vicinity following the removal of the fort walls in the 1860s.[3]
Historical images
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"Elphinstone College and Sassoon Library," in Bombay; a collotype print by Clifton & Co., c.1900; also *"University Library and Clock Tower" -
Mechanics' Institute (now David Sasoon Library), at Bombay in India, c.1860 -
Mechanics' Institute (now David Sasoon Library), at Bombay in India, c.1870s
The building was designed by architects J. Campbell and G. E. Gosling, for Scott McClelland and Company, at a cost of Rs. 125,000. David Sassoon donated Rs. 60,000, while the rest of the cost was borne by the Government of Bombay Presidency.[4] The library is located on Rampart Row, looking across Kala Ghoda. The building, completed in 1870, is built using yellow Malad stone, much like the abutting Elphinstone College, Army and Navy Buildings, and Watson's Hotel. Above the entrance portico is a white stone bust of David Sassoon. This marble bust was Thomas Woolner's working model for the statue of Sassoon standing at the front of the stairs of the David Sassoon Library. This standing marble statue, completed in 1865, was commissioned by Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay and personal friend of the sculptor, Woolner. Subscriptions came from the Jewish community, a myriad of traders, and friends in England.[5]
Restoration
editIn 2023, the JSW Foundation and the ICICI Foundation worked together on the restoration of this library. Sangita Jindal, the Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, partnered with Abha Narain Lambah, a conservation architect in India, to oversee the execution of the restoration project.[6] In order to raise funds, they collaborated with various organisations, including Hermès India, the Kala Ghoda Association, the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai, the MK Tata Trusts, and several others. This collaboration transformed the project into a multiparty initiative, involving multiple stakeholders working together to contribute financially.[7]
Pre-restoration images
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David Sassoon Library, Mumbai -
Plaque at David Sassoon Library, Mumbai -
Bust of David Sassoon at David Sassoon Library, Mumbai -
Statue of David Sassoon at David Sassoon Library, Mumbai -
Interior of David Sassoon Library, Mumbai
Given the architectural importance of the building, Lambah's team extensively relied on archival research and documentation. Every new element introduced, such as the metal chandeliers, was carefully modeled after its 19th-century counterpart to seamlessly integrate with the building's style. Significantly, her team reinstated the original sloping roof, replacing a reinforced concrete slab that had been added insensitively after the 1960s. This flat slab had caused significant damage due to leakage, affecting both the structure itself and the books housed within it.[7]
Post-restoration images
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Interior of David Sassoon Library in May 2023 -
Interior of David Sassoon Library in May 2023 -
Interior of David Sassoon Library in May 2023 -
Entrance Arches of David Sassoon Library in May 2023
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ Sneeha Nair (17 January 2011), "Let Colaba Charm you", Hindustan Times; Retrieved on 25 January 2011.
- ^ Māḍagã̄vakara, Govinda Nārāyaṇa (2009). Govind Narayan's Mumbai: An Urban Biography from 1863. Anthem Press. ISBN 978-1-84331-305-2. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 24 July 2023.
- ^ Mansabdar, Amey. "The history of David Sassoon Library is the history of Bombay". The Week. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
- ^ TIFR Mumbai pages Archived 7 August 2020 at the Wayback Machine sourced from article by Kaumudi Marathe of Times of India, 12 November 1995.
- ^ Steggles, Mary Ann; Barnes, Richard (2011). British Sculpture in India: New Views and Old Memories. Norfolk: Frontier. p. 206. ISBN 978-1-872914-41-1.
- ^ "David Sassoon Library opens to public after restoration; see pics". The Indian Express. 3 June 2023. Archived from the original on 13 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
- ^ a b Deodhar, Neerja (6 July 2023). "The Gothic revival of Mumbai's iconic David Sassoon Library". Architectural Digest India. Archived from the original on 15 July 2023. Retrieved 15 July 2023.
External links
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- David Sassoon Library and Reading Room - official website Archived 20 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine