The Genesis of a Literary Hub
Centres of places with the exchange of ideas and knowledge have such a large impact on society around them. In 1847 what started as a small room under the clock tower for mechanics, architects and shipbuilders’ hub for intellectual dialogue, later expanded into Sasson Mechanics Institute and was eventually renamed David Sasson Library and Reading Room.
It was initially used to provide technical education to adults and to hold lectures. They originally hosted it out of a leased space, but later relocated to their own facility, which was made possible by the support of David Sassoon. It was due to David Sassons magnanimous patronage that this was made possible. A library was set up in due course and experts across spheres were regularly invited for knowledge discourses. The institute was moved to its current location in Fort sometime between 1867 and 1870 when it was renamed the David Sassoon Library and Reading Room. Mr.Sasson was a Baghdadi Jew merchant and banker who later settled in India and did much for the academic community.
Historical Splendour: The David Sassoon Library
Now a Garde I UNESCO site, the building was designed by architects J. Campbell and G. E. Gosling, for Scott McClelland and Company, and remains one of the earliest constructions in the vicinity following the removal of the fort walls in the 1860s.
With its Victorian Gothic style, it retains its colonial charm, with its pointed arches, animal motifs adorning its columns and Burma teak wood detailing in its trusses and ceilings. It is one of the rare traces of a Bombay that vanishes into memories cast in sepia. Constructed in 1870, the structure is made of yellow Malad stone.. Above the entrance portico is a white marble bust of David Sassoon. This standing marble statue, completed in 1865, was commissioned by Sir Bartle Frere, Governor of Bombay and personal friend of the sculptor, Woolner. (Ann, 2011)
David Sasson library boasts a tranquil garden in its rear, serving as a venue for cultural and literary gatherings, while also offering a serene reading environment amidst the urban landscape. Notably, the library houses an esteemed collection exceeding 70,000 rare volumes.
Restoring Heritage: The 2022 Renovation
A 150-year-old building along with its charm and history also comes with a lot more maintenance. In February 2022 the restoration of the library began. Done by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, it was a 16-month-long project. JSW partnered with Hermès India, the Kala Ghoda Association, the Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai, the MK Tata Trusts and others to raise funds, making this a multiparty project.
Being a part of the Art Deco Ensemble, the need to do the restoration came with its pressure. A pressure they seemed to have lived up to. With its colonial, gothic and Jewish styles, there was a lot to live up to. While also making sure to retain its old and distinct charm.
Due to its architectural importance, Lambah’s team heavily leaned on archival research and documentation. Every new addition, such as the metal chandeliers, was meticulously designed to mirror its 19th-century counterpart, ensuring a seamless integration with the building’s style.
Preserving Legacy: Challenges and Solutions
A sloped roof was reintroduced, similar to its original design, which was later replaced by a flat RCC slab introduced in the 1900’s. This not only helped in detailing like cresting and finials but also allowed for more efficient methods of waterproofing the roof. The library had a long history of considerable leakage-related damages to the structure and the books contained within it.
Lighting is very distinct in a reader’s experience. I appreciate how Abha Lambah has addressed this. Features such as the veranda introduced to the external facade have been punctuated by light so they radiate with a glow.
Walking along the veranda and terrace unveils the diverse array of Minton tiles adorning various rooms—the library stands as one of Mumbai’s finest representations of this 19th-century flooring style. A substantial portion of the original tiles, imported from England, have been preserved.
Given its status as one of Asia’s oldest operational reading rooms, a primary challenge during restoration was relocating close to 30,000 books spanning five languages. The bookshelves, dating back to the library’s inception, are considered heritage items. Therefore, their reconstruction, restoration, and positioning were carefully executed to ensure structural stability and preservation of integrity.
Honouring History
Apart from being an architectural and cultural landmark, the library is also historically significant because Babasaheb Ambedkar is reported to have written the final draft of the Indian Constitution there. (Ramakrishnan, 2022). There’s something about places of literature becoming a hub for the ideologies of the young of its time. Having such a magnificent structure as David Sassoon Library, which has seen decades of changes and growth of ideas, is a privilege like no other.
