It was on April 29, 1925 that the Paris Exposition formally introduced the Art Deco style to the world. And therefore, this year marks the centenary of the architectural art form. Beginning with this issue, Heritage Watch hopes to cover some of the prominent Art Deco buildings in the city. We had a lot more, particularly cinema theatres and of course Dasaprakash, but they have all vanished leaving not a wrack behind. However, let us celebrate what we have left. The first building we showcase here was also the city’s first Art Deco building and also the first structure to have six floors. Designed by architect LM Chitale, Oriental Insurance Building on Armenian Street is still a major landmark though not well-maintained.
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Our OLD shows it on the day of its inauguration. The NEW was taken a few years ago during a heritage walk led by your deputy editor.
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