Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
Home of ART
|
Business and pleasure combine aesthetically at the Aurodhan art gallery, says RUPA GOPAL
|
WALK DOWN Rue Francois Martin. Wondering if it's France? Well, you are in Pondicherry where you can visit the Aurodhan Gallery, which is situated on this stretch.
A fifty-year-old building was bought to house modern and traditional works of art on the ground and first floors. The owners Shernaz and Lalit thought of adding two floors to the sturdy structure for the sake of guests.
The result is lovely - well-ventilated rooms, with well sourced traditional furniture, rose and teakwood cupboards, desks, chairs, easychairs, heirloom and intricately carved beds.
The bed and bath linen are colour coordinated for each room. The rooms open into a large central hall, where antique and modern artefacts are strewn around, with canvases adorning the walls. The dining table is a large old one and can seat a dozen. Tallboys, chests, tables... all give a rich look.
A corner has a kitchenette, complete with utensils and gadgets. Perfect for putting together an omelette, tea, coffee and more.
The top floor has a few rooms that open out on to the breezy terrace, giving glimpses of the sea. Raw silk curtains add an aesthetic touch to the windows and heavy, woven or patchwork bed covers lend colour to the interior.
The first floor hall has old benches and makes an ideal room for holding lectures and slide shows. The old flooring has been retained everywhere with its traditional motifs in red oxide.
Special lighting to highlight the art combines with ample natural light.
A new central winding stone stairway connects all the levels, while the old one serves as a private entry to the rooms.
A wonderful ambience has been created in a traditional building.
Business and pleasure have been combined aesthetically here. Quite an achievement!
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Metro Plus
Chennai
Hyderabad
|
