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Journalism of Courage
This month,over 2,000 antique lithographs will be up for sale to raise money for the welfare of Mumbais horses. Initiated by politician-activist Maneka Gandhis People for Animals (PFA),this comes in the wake of the recent deaths of two horses in the metropolis,and the petitions and protests that followed thereafter.
Given the purpose of the show,its not surprising that its theme is flora and fauna. Creations such as John Goulds A,B,C and Birds series,Plants by Joseph Paxton and William Curtis,and Roses by Joseph Redoute most of which date back to the early 1800s will be available for sale. The 200-year-old lithographs were sourced by Gandhi three years ago from a Delhi-based collector.
The exhibition will be held at Mumbais Prince of Wales Museum on August 3 and 4,followed by a week at Worlis Gallery Art and Soul,from August 6-13. These lithographs start at prices as low as Rs 5,000, says Tarana Khubchandani,owner of Gallery Art and Soul,and PFAs major collaborator in this effort.
In the past,we had cleared Mumbais beaches of camels and sent them back to Rajasthan,now it is time for the horses to go too, Gandhi asserts. The proceeds from the sale will be spent on the rehabilitation of the horses,their treatment and the setting up of habitable stables. We see tourists travelling in horse-drawn carriages; these horses are kept out in the rain or sun. Their stables are so filthy that the municipality has recommended their removal, adds Gandhi,who will be in Mumbai for the shows opening.
The lithographs,uncommon as they are,boast of great beauty,says Khubchandani. Theyre like stepchildren of art; they dont have a wide market but they have a beauty of their own, she adds. Lithographs are made by printing images on a stone or metal plate,and because of this very nature,theyre relatively inexpensive.
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