Antique Tiled Floor
Venue – State Bank of India, Chennai Main Branch
Dimensions – 36ft X 14ft
Dated – 1898
Constant usage has heavily soiled the tiles. Continuous deposition of fine coal dust, particulate matter from vehicular exhaust, dirt and grime obscures the design, and colours of the tile and detracts from the beauty of the tiled mosaic floor.
Antique Tiled Floor
Venue – State Bank of India, Chennai Main Branch
Dimensions – 36ft X 14ft
Dated – 1898
The extant of soiling is seen in this image. Streaks of deep yellowish brown colour is discoloured adhesive that was liberally smeared on the tiles to hold fast the carpet laid on the floor. At some point in the past, it was decided to cover the entire unattractive floor using a carpet!
Antique Tiled Floor
Venue – State Bank of India, Chennai Main Branch
Dimensions – 36ft X 14ft
Dated – 1898
The brilliant colour and classic elegance of the tiles are obvious when it has been cleaned of all the superficial matter that marred its appearance.
Antique Tiled Floor
Venue – State Bank of India, Chennai Main Branch
Dimensions – 36ft X 14ft
Dated – 1898
Thick application of discoloured adhesive is observed in these tiles, the right half of which has been cleaned free of it. This shows the restoration of the tile to its original appearance vastly adding to the aesthetic beauty of the entire floor.
Antique Tiled Floor
Venue – State Bank of India, Chennai Main Branch
Dimensions – 36ft X 14ft
Dated – 1898
Being in continuous use the finished areas needed to be covered as and when they were cleaned with a transparent polyester sheet. This sheet (seen along the left side of the image) provided a physical barrier - it prevented a direct footfall over the tiled floor.
Antique Tiled Floor
Venue – State Bank of India, Chennai Main Branch
Dimensions – 36ft X 14ft
Dated – 1898
This colourful, aesthetically appealing historic floor is a visual treat to all who access this space – one cannot but be thrilled to see it preserved in its complete glory, especially when it is the only remaining original antique tiled floor in the heritage building!
