Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
The painted cotton cloth was very weak as a result of aging of natural fibres, and constant exposure to light and atmospheric elements since it was not framed behind glass.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
The painting showed several prominent tears and many weak areas where fibres had frayed.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
Several holes due to insect attack were present along the edges besides puncture marks caused by nails which were used to affix the board to the wooden members.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
The board that is seen here from the reverse carries the painted cloth. The painting has been pasted directly onto it using fevicol along the edges.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
The painted cloth was released from the board over which it was pasted down by controlled application of solvents and use of specific materials and tools.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
Adhesive seen as a whitish patch present along the edges was carefully removed using suitable localized application of solvents with cotton swabs.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
The painting was in too delicate a condition to be handled in future. It was provided additional support by means of introduction of new cloth onto which the painting was pasted down.
Kalamkari - Traditional South Indian Painting on Cloth
Dimensions – 54.6cms X 43.2cms
Date – Approx. 1950
As a final step, the painted cloth was mounted using conservation mounting and framing techniques.
