Quills of Ages

The preview of the “Quills of Ages” exhibition was held, offering a unique window into history through the written word. This extraordinary showcase features letters, legal documents, inland letters, and telegrams from the Tagore family and renowned personalities of the 19th to mid-20th century, making it a defining cultural event in India.

Curated with meticulous attention to detail by the renowned Lolita Dutta, “Quills of Ages” presents a rich tapestry of correspondence among celebrated artists such as Jamini Roy, Nandalal Bose, Hemen Mazumdar, Bireshwar Sen, and Asit Halder, among others. These letters provide a rare glimpse into the creative dialogues that shaped an era. Notably, the collection includes cherished correspondence between Ramananda Chattopadhyay, the editor of Modern Reviews, and Maitreyee Devi, both closely associated with the legendary Rabindranath Tagore.

The preview of “Quills of Ages” was graced by eminent personalities from the world of art and culture. Ashok Vajpeyi, an eminent poet, essayist, and Managing and Life Trustee of The Raza Foundation, joined as the Chief Guest, while K.S. Radhakrishnan, an acclaimed sculptor, adorned the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

Siddharth Tagore, director of the Art Konsult Gallery, which hosted the show, expressed his admiration, stating, “This exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the world of the Tagore family, featuring letters, legal documents, inland letters, and telegrams from luminaries like Dwarkanath Tagore, Debendranath Tagore, and the iconic Rabindranath Tagore. Most of the letters and documents are from his personal collection.

Ashok Vajpey , distinguished guest, remarked, “This exhibition is a unique opportunity to delve into the minds and hearts of historical personalities through their handwritten correspondence. Approximately 200 letters will be on display, making it the first-of-its-kind exhibition in India. It is bound to captivate art historians, students of art history, and researchers alike.”

“Quills of Ages” is more than an exhibition; it is an immersive experience that celebrates the written word and provides profound insight into the cultural heritage of India. Nupur Kundu, Shridhar Iyer, Kavita Jaiswal, Sangeeta Gupta, Anandmoy Bannerjee, Tunty Chauhan, and many other art lovers were present at the preview. The presence of numerous artists and art enthusiasts enhanced the exhibition’s ambiance

The exhibition will be open to the public until October 11, 2023, at the Visual Arts Gallery, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi, with daily opening hours from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.–