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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
How a WW II Polish couple's Kemps Corner studio introduced Mumbai artists to glass mosaics and painted ceramics
MUMBAI: During World War II (1939 to 1945), a number of Jews fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe found refuge in Bombay, and enriched the city's culture and its arts. Musician Walter Kaufmann influenced Indian musicology, Austrian dancer Hilde Holger (later Boman-Behram) established the School of Art for Modern Movement in Fort and Rudolf von Leyden became a prominent art promoter, especially of the Ganjifa cards. In this mix were Simon Lifschutz and his wife Hanna, a Polish-Jewish refugee couple who established the city's foremost glass and ceramic studio in Kemps Corner. They introduced Mumbai's artists to glass mosaics and painted ceramics, making a significant impact on the art and design scene in Mumbai then. Yet, Lifschutzs and their Studio Vitrum (glass in Latin) have been mostly unknown until now. A new art exhibition, 'A Glazed History: Badri Narayan and the Vitrum Studio', by the Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation (JNAF), at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), is reintroducing Mumbai to the studio, its artists and their art. It's a culmination of an intensive two-year research and investigation into Studio Vitrum, which took Puja Vaish, the director of JNAF and curator of the show, to archives and art collections across India, to piece together Studio Vitrum's story. 'The exhibition revisits two overlooked chapters in Modern Indian Art—Badri Narayan's legacy and Vitrum Studio's cultural role—as entry points into broader debates on art, design and public space,' says Vaish. Studio Vitrum (1957-74) was a philanthropic project of the Polish couple's glass factory in Vikhroli called Vitrum. It manufactured glass bottles for pharmacy and cosmetic companies, including Ponds and Nivea. The studio specialised in hand-painted ceramic tiles and glass mosaics, and was later renamed Hexamar Studio. It invited artists to paint on ceramic tiles and create Venetian type of glass mosaic tesserae, as affordable art and home decor objects such as coasters, trays, tabletops and lamps, says Vaish. These seldom seen objects and a few paintings make up the 102 works displayed in the exhibition. They are sourced from JNAF's collection and from private collectors such as Dadiba Pundole, Pheroza Godrej and Haresh Mehta. Most of these were made by artist Badri Narayan (1929 – 2013). He was, in many ways, the lead artist of the studio, promoting it and getting other artists to work there as well. Narayan's city scape -- a glass mosaic -- makes for the exhibition's centre piece. Small blue, yellow and red pieces of glass are stuck together to represent a city dotted with big and small, wide and narrow buildings, all fused together, without any breathing room between the structures. 'The work shows Mumbai's suburb of Chembur,' says Dadiba Pundole, an art expert who runs the Pundole gallery and Pundole's auction house. Around the 1970s when the work was made, Narayan was living in Chembur, home to thousands of Partition refugees. The work is from Mehta's collection. Dadiba, though, has a few ceramic plates and bowls on which Narayan has etched similar paintings, which are also displayed in the exhibition. Another prominent work in glass mosaic by Narayan is based on the theme of the Last Supper, while his painted ceramic tile work showing a watermelon vendor in the foreground of those fused buildings is placed alongside a painting on the same subject. A wall in the exhibition is dedicated to works of unknown artists – hand-painted, glazed ceramic tiles that depicts a village scene by S.A.M Kazi, another village scene showing women in ghaghra choli by VM Sohoni and a black and white figure of a lady wearing colourful jewellery by Anjali Das. All of these are from 63-year-old businessman Mehta's collection. In the interim, however, many established artists such as KH Ara, KK Hebbar and AA Raiba worked in the studio. 'It used to be a buzzing space,' says Mehta. He has hundred-plus objects in his personal collection created there, including a ceramic plate of FN Souza. Mehta also published a book on the studio titled 'Vitrum' at the opening of the exhibition on June 13. In its foreword, Pheroza Godrej writes that her family's friends, the Capadias, had rented the ground floor of their Ratton Villa to the studio. She saw artists experiment with glazes, paint tiles and fire the kiln. In the foreword, she says, 'It was not just a space for ceramics, it was a gathering place, a place where parties were held, where friendships were made and where the essence of creativity filled the air.' Another interesting discovery is that of glass mosaic murals at prominent buildings in Mumbai. 'Many architects would visit artists to make glass and ceramic murals on building facades,' says Vaish. MF Husain did a few – one for the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, another for LIC building in Nariman Point and one for Hindustan Unilever in Churchgate. Where – JNAF gallery, CSMVS, Kala Ghoda Date – On view until August 31 Timing – 10.15 am to 6 pm Museum entry – ₹200 for adults.
Hindustan Times
06-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ultimate Indian diet for strong bones: Doctor says eat these 4 foods, avoid these 4 for healthier bones
Bone health is essential for a strong and active life. As we age, our bones naturally lose density, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Poor dietary choices, lack of physical activity and vitamin deficiencies can accelerate bone loss, making individuals more prone to injuries. Doctor says you're weakening your bones daily. Here's how to fix it with food.(Image by Pexels) However, a well-balanced diet can significantly slow down this process and even help in bone regeneration. Maintaining strong bones requires a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, protein and magnesium. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Abhishek Vaish, Orthopedic Surgeon and Sports Injury Specialist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital and Healing Touch Clinic In New Delhi's Okhla, shared, 'A well-planned diet plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health. In India, we have access to a variety of nutrient-rich foods that can strengthen our bones naturally.' Sesame seeds are healthy for eyes, skin and bones. (Unsplash) Here's a guide to the best Indian diet for strong bones, based on his expert recommendations. 1. Calcium-rich foods Calcium is the most important mineral for bone strength. Adults need about 1000–1200 mg of calcium per day. Indian diets naturally include several calcium-rich options: Dairy Products: Milk, curd, paneer, and buttermilk are excellent sources of calcium. Milk, curd, paneer, and buttermilk are excellent sources of calcium. Leafy Greens: Spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi), and amaranth (chaulai) provide plant-based calcium. Spinach (palak), fenugreek (methi), and amaranth (chaulai) provide plant-based calcium. Sesame Seeds: Commonly used in Indian cooking, sesame (til) seeds are rich in calcium. Commonly used in Indian cooking, sesame (til) seeds are rich in calcium. Ragi (Finger Millet): A traditional Indian grain, ragi is packed with calcium and is excellent for bone health. 'Including a glass of milk or a bowl of curd in your daily diet can help meet your calcium needs effortlessly,' advised Dr Vaish. 2. Vitamin D for better calcium absorption Skimmed milk is a rich source of Calcium and Vitamin D and should be included in the daily diet. (Unsplash) Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption. Sunlight exposure is the best natural source, but dietary sources include: Egg yolks Fatty fish like salmon and sardines Fortified dairy products Mushrooms Dr Vaish recommended, 'Spending at least 20 minutes in the morning sun daily can significantly improve vitamin D levels, which is crucial for bone strength.' 3. Protein for bone mass Protein: Intake of protein helps in boosting metabolism and maintaining weight loss. It also helps in increasing muscle mass and enhancing bone strength. (Unsplash) Proteins are the building blocks of bones. Indian diets can be optimised for protein intake with: Pulses and lentils (dal, rajma, chana, moong) Dairy products Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnuts, and flaxseeds Lean meats and eggs 'A protein-rich diet supports not just muscle health but also enhances bone density, reducing the risk of fractures,' said Dr Vaish. 4. Magnesium and phosphorus for bone density Mooli leaves are a storehouse of vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, phosphorus and iron and also make your bones stronger being a good source of calcium. Magnesium and phosphorus work alongside calcium to maintain bone structure. Indian foods rich in these minerals include: Bananas, figs, and dates Whole grains like brown rice and oats Nuts like cashews and peanuts Pumpkin and sunflower seeds Avoid bone-damaging foods While a nutrient-rich diet is key, some foods can weaken bones. Dr. Vaish warned against excessive consumption of: Sugary beverages Soft drinks Excess salt, which can leach calcium from bones Caffeine in high amounts 'Prevention is always better than cure. A balanced diet combined with regular weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, jogging, and strength training, can help maintain bone health throughout life,' concluded Dr Abhishek Vaish. By incorporating these simple dietary changes, you can build stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis naturally. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
