CHENNAI: Huge oil paintings on canvas including those of George III and Queen Victoria, which are among the exquisite art pieces in the majestic Fort Museum, here, have been captured in their natural ambiance in a virtual gallery for the benefit of visitors.
These paintings are displayed in the portrait gallery of the museum, which also showcases numerous paintings including Robert Clive and Sir Arthur Havelock besides an interesting painting depicting the Fort St George in 1738. The 360 degree view of the portrait gallery, an initiative by the Archaeological Survey of India, Fort Museum, Chennai Circle, was unveiled on Thursday by A. M. V. Subramanyam, superintending archaeologist, ASI, Chennai circle, Chennai, coinciding with International Museum Day which falls on May 18 annually. This facility is available at museum premises.
"Though the 360 degree view is meant to facilitate a bird's eye view of the gallery for the benefit of the differently abled, others can also avail it," said Mr Subramanyam. This latest attraction is yet another effort to make the museum visitor friendly, he asserts. On the cards is to bring out brochures on the Portrait Gallery.
Speaking to this correspondent he said the Fort Museum has over 3,500 artifacts in its collection and these would be displayed in a thematic exhibition for about a fortnight or a month, on a regular basis.
"We have also submitted proposals to renovate the Fort and the works will be taken up after they are sanctioned by the government," he added.
R. Balasubramanian, former curator, Government Museum, Chennai, Krishna, deputy superintending archaeologist, Fort Museum, Chennai Circle, Chennai, and N. Baskaran, Modeller, ASI, Fort Museum, were among those who spoke.
