Art Royale

When English lady Laura Hamilton visited Bombay during World War II,she stayed back in the country till her death,and eventually went on to open Malabar Boutique at the Taj Mahal Palace,Apollo Bunder. Her exquisite taste in art and aesthetics earned her the reputation of being an art connoisseur. Over the years,it led to a collection that ranged from artworks such as carved grey schist image of the Buddha from the Gandhara era to unusual furniture-like intricate letterboxes — collectively known as the Laura Hamilton estate.

A third of this collection,of distinguished provenance,will be put up for auction by Pundole Gallery,Kala Ghoda,to be held at the National Centre for Performing Arts on September 3 and 4. It will alongside hold the auction of famous works by Raja Ravi Varma,including the portrait of Seth Lachman Das of Mathura,which was created in 1896. Objects such as silver umbrellas and ceremonial spears will also be a part of the art sale. Other works from Royal Indian collections such as paintings by animal painter Arthur Wardle,Jehangir Sabavala and Nandalal Bose,will also be up for auction.