Of rare photos and prints

When they posed for lensmen, two devadasis from the then Madras would have never in their wildest imaginations thought that their pictures would be exhibited at an exhibition in Vienna in 1873. Today, Chennaiites have the opportunity to get a look at these images, thanks to Nanditha Krishna, honorary director, CP Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, who has brought these photo prints from the London Library for an exhibit in the city. On the walls of the CP Art Centre, students, domestic servants, Dubhasushus and dancers from old Madras come alive, as Krishna took viewers on a journey through time with a photo walk.The rare pencil sketches of Thomas and William Daniell are definite highlights and are not to be missed.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Mayor Sadai Duraisamy and will be open for the next two weeks at the CP Art Centre, Eldams Road. For details, call 24337023.