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| Sunday, 18 May 2003 |
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Features |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
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Hermitage Gallery : a treasure trove of antiques by Neomi Kodikara The last light glows in the sky, welcoming the night. Aroma of the food waters the mouth while the symphony of flutes serenades the environs. Noise and activity had taken over the usual calm sense of the Hermitage at Gower Street. It was the grand celebration of Hermitage's second anniversary.
The concept of the 'Hermitage' was the brainchild of Safiya Hussain and Yasmin Akbarally who began it four years ago as a hobby. Having been there for two years offering a variety and depth of merchandise for antique lovers, the proprietors of the Gallery decided to host this exhibition, sale and fiesta, which they claim to be the first of its kind. As I stepped in I was welcomed by a majestic'old couple', a lovely 1911 Plautney and a purring BSA Sloper-`the oldest running car and the motorcycle in the country'. Greeted with a warm hug from Yasmin, I was ushered in to see the centre piece of Hermitage, the collection of antique ethnic furniture. No doubt any collector would have been fascinated with the choice available there. There was a wide selection of stunning, ancient creations like cupboards, coffee tables, chairs and book racks including an assortment of chests, benches and sideboards, exquisitely carved doors, Rajasthani windows and window frames, chic and whimsical accent pieces such as a beautiful Julla (swing), a bird's house, a palanquin and dozens of other artifacts.
Those collectibles such as coconut scrapers, paper weights, ink wells, pens and other writing paraphernalia and nautical instruments including a fine range of compasses, telescopes, part and starboard lights and tants were also on display. Various kinds of lamps, old knives and axes, artistic dowry boxes and old type copper-coloured fans were also on offer. The classic art consists of a range of well represented paintings and drawings by the eminent 43 group including George Keyt, Justin Deraniyagala, Ivan Pieris and Indian masters. Fine art also includes the original Lionel Wendt photographs and antique Albumen photographs of old Ceylon.
The collection of books consists of rare and comprehensive selection of work that reads like a museum listing. An original copy of a 1911 edition of Robert Knox's Ceylon, a 1702 copy of the Dutch explorer Philip Baldeus' 'Description of Ceylon', a complete folio of etchings by Hamilton and Fasson, the complete folio of 'Wunderbuilder' by Hackel, a very rare first edition of Ananda Coomaraswamy's 'Medieval Sinhalese Art', Justin Deraniyagala's 'Death of a Lion', and 'George Keyt' by Martin Rusell to name a few. The jewellery showcase was crowded by women, young as well as old, lured by the exquisite beauty and glitter of the range of ethnic silver jewellery. Hand-picked elegant, colourful Rajasthani Dhurries, hand woven silk Zardozi bed covers and cushion covers brought that smile of contentment in many a woman. |
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