This event is ticketed.
The Strand Road in Calcutta, locally known as ‘The Strand’, is a major thoroughfare in Kolkata, running along the east bank of the Hooghly River. The road connects the Princep Ghat to the Neemtala crematorium and the Shovabazar neighbourhood. Undertaken by the Lottery Committee, Strand Road was completed in 1828, along what was previously a long sedge bank.
Baboo Ghat, erected in 1838, is a significant monument in Doric Greek style on the Strand Road. It was commissioned by Babu Ram Chandra Das, the husband of Rani Rashmoni. Immediately west of the High Court is Chunder Pal Ghat named after Chunder Nath Pal, who owned a refreshment shop at the site. The ghat goes back to at least 1774, predating Strand Road itself; eventually, it became the point at which the colonial rulers and administrators of India would arrive and depart from the city prior to the advent of rail travel.
Metcalfe Hall, on 12 Strand Road, is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Through this exploration, the participants will be observing the heritage of The Strand using two different mediums—photography and sketching. By the end of the walk, we hope to have understood to some extent the built and the living heritage that existed and still stands and makes up this historic road.
Both mediums offer something special.
Photographs can document the architecture and activities of any place in various ways. We will be using photography to document and visually map the cityscape/landscape in the neighbourhood and on the river. A sketch requires a more detailed observation of the objects and the environment. From the observed details, a sketch makes a simplified outline of whatever is being viewed. Sketching is both observing the details and then abstracting from the details.
The facilitators will guide the photography and sketching activities, giving cues for what, why and how to capture the essence of the importance of The Strand’s heritage. Every participant will be encouraged to take some photographs and make a few sketches of whatever they find significant along The Strand. By the end of the walk, we will be able to compare what was captured of The Strand, using the two different mediums.
Participants will be provided with sketching material and viewing frame to help in composition. For photography, the participants can use their cameras or mobile phones.
