In South Mumbai’s ‘Heritage Mile’, where there are many colonial buildings including the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, lies a hidden gem. This is the new outpost of Sarmaya, which opened last month on the second floor of the 146-year-old Lawrence & Mayo building in Fort.
3,500 square feet. The space, which was once home to a bank, now houses a decade-old hybrid museum – a repository of art, artefacts and living traditions from across the subcontinent. With large arched windows, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, exposed wooden beams and comfortable chairs scattered around, it’s cozy and welcoming. A gorgeous Gond painting on the wall is on view as visitors quietly research or browse the pieces on display.
Founded in 2015 by art patron and former COO of IndusInd Bank Paul Abraham, Sarmaya is designed as a haven for research and exploration. Their collections include modern and contemporary art, indigenous and community art, photography, numismatics and rare books. “We also have rare maps, prints and engravings,” says Abraham, who has been collecting for more than four decades. And while he hosted exhibitions, talks and walkthroughs in his Dadar collection, he felt it was time to expand, “invite more people” and allow a new generation to interact with the objects. “We hope this space will spark love and curiosity for the diverse art, culture and heritage of India.”
In the new collection, Sarmaya plans to expand its programming calendar to offer more exhibitions, talks and micro-curated programs for students, senior citizens, art lovers and researchers.
Sarmaya’s collection includes modern and contemporary art, photography, numismatics, rare books and much more Photo Credit: Hashim Badani
Restoration and micro-curation
Abraham and his partner Pavitra Rajaram of Mumbai-based company Pavitra Rajaram Design discovered the abandoned space in January. “Pavitra focused on the ability to create something meaningful beyond the peeling paint and dusty floors,” he says. Sustainability and repurposing were important to the couple, so rather than making it overly polished, the goal was to embrace the building’s history. Had to respect.
Paul Abraham and Pavitra Rajaram
“As we worked on the renovation, we discovered the beautiful Burma teak [on the ceiling and arches] and maillard stone [on the wall]Brings out the character and integrity of the original structure,” shares Rajaram. “The central area is inspired by communal courtyards, designed as an inviting, peaceful space that encourages conversation and quiet reflection.”
One of the main reasons Abraham decided to invest in a dedicated space was to try something different. “You have the big museum model, with everything on display and just a bit of information, and then there are galleries with shows that come with a commercial approach,” he explains. “With Sarmaya, we wanted something different.”
Their approach is all about micro-curation. Instead of holding large-scale exhibitions, they focus on tailored experiences. “If someone comes in without an idea of what they want to see, we will guide them through a sample of our collection,” he says. “But if you have a specific interest, we encourage you to let us know.” encourage advance notice [through the website]Then, we’ll pull out relevant pieces, whether they’re books, artworks or photographs, For a more personalized experience.” In this way, Sarmaya becomes a space for discovery – where the experience can be as casual or as deep as each visitor wants.
shared stories
The new space has a library of over 15,000 titles, including rare and out-of-print works, making it one of the few places in the city where such a rich collection can be shared in an intimate and engaging manner. Is. In art, masterpieces include the Saura paintings of Odisha and the Bhil paintings of Bhuri Bai, who was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021. Historian Manu S. Pillai and writer Ira Mukhoti were among the inaugural guest speakers at Sarmaya this month. Sarmaya talks. Beginning in 2025, Sarmaya will also host exhibitions.
Sarmaya has a library of more than 15,000 books. Photo Credit: Hashim Badani
Currently, only 20% of Abraham’s private collection is on display at the Fort, with plans to rotate the collection quarterly. To preserve these precious objects, Sarmaya ensures that the objects are kept in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment. “We conduct regular audits to check for mold, infection, or any signs of deterioration, and we bring in expert assistance for restoration and repairs when needed. This helps maintain the integrity of our collection so that these stories can be shared across generations,” says Abraham. And enable deep, meaningful engagement with India’s diverse cultural stories.
published – December 12, 2024 02:05 PM IST
