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Mint
3 days ago
- Mint
From K2 to Kangchenjunga: How Vittorio Sella's pioneering work changed mountain photography forever
For many years, I had looked at books, magazines, websites and blogs, searching for photographs taken by Italian Vittorio Sella. Over the course of time, these photographs became like familiar friends—and often, on seeing a mountain image on Google, I knew it was a Sella. But nothing prepared me for the enormity of the moment when I visited the exhibition, titled Vittorio Sella: Photographer in the Himalaya, which opened at Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata on 8 August. Delhi Art Gallery (DAG), in collaboration with Victoria Memorial, is showing for the first time in India a collection of 78 Sella prints from his expeditions around Kangchenjunga in 1899 and the Karakoram in 1909. To see the original Sella prints—some of the panoramas are over 10ft in length and meticulously stitched together—is truly a revelation. The stupendous details in the ridges, icefalls, glaciers and scree slopes in the images shot well over a hundred years ago is mindboggling to say the least. A pioneering mountain photographer of his generation, Sella set a benchmark in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In an era when photography was mainly confined to the realms of a studio in controlled conditions and the emphasis remained on documentation, Sella took the large-format studio equipment to the lofty heights of the Himalaya and the Karakoram, creating images that went far beyond mere documentation and are valued today for their aesthetic beauty and composition. Sella was born in the small town of Biella at the foot of the Italian Alps in 1859. The family was wealthy and his father owned a textile mill. He worked for some time in the family business before his passion for mountains and photography got the better of him. He was inspired by his uncle Quintino, who was a keen mountaineer and the founder of the Italian Alpine Club. Sella started climbing in the Alps. The story goes that one night in 1879, while attending an opera in Biella, Sella noticed a clear night sky. Dressed in his formal clothes, he rushed up the mountain to his small tent where a camera was mounted for such eventualities and took a brilliant panorama of Mont Mars. Sella started out by using the large plate 30x40cm Dallmeyer camera that he carried with him to the field. The camera itself weighed around 40 pounds and each glass negative around 2 pounds. Along with this there was a heavy tripod to support the equipment. Sella carried much of this equipment himself as he climbed up steep mountain heights. Later as technology evolved, he switched to the smaller Ross and Co. cameras around 1893 and finally towards the end of his career, he also used one of the first hand-held Kodak cameras. When Sella started out, it was the era of the wet collodion photo process—where the glass negatives had to be coated and developed on site, a daunting task. Later around 1880, the dry gelatine plate was introduced. It allowed photographers to leave their mobile darkrooms and work with higher exposure speeds and better sensitivity and process the plates back home. Many of Sella's later prints were the conventional silver gelatine ones. Sella was possibly one of the first photographers to include human figures in his mountain landscapes to provide a sense of scale, a technique which many modern photographers also follow today. Sella climbed extensively in the Alps from 1880-93. Some of his notable climbs were the first winter ascent of the Matterhorn in 1882, the first winter ascent of Mont Rosa in 1884, and the first winter traverse of Mount Blanc in 1888. He also looked further afield and made three expeditions to the Russian Caucasus in 1889, 1890 and 1896. On the first expedition, Sella and his team made an ascent of Mount Elbrus (5,642m), the highest peak in Europe. Sella photographed mountains in four continents—the Alps in Europe, Mount St Elias in North America in 1897, Ruwenzori in Africa in 1906, Kangchenjunga in Sikkim and Nepal in 1899 and K2 and the Karakoram in 1909, in Asia. It is pertinent to point out Sella's relationship with two towering personalities: the British lawyer and explorer Douglas Freshfield, who was president of the Royal Geographical Society and the Alpine Club, and the Italian nobleman, Prince Luigi Amedeo, Duke of the Abruzzi, who became Sella's patron. Knowing Sella's reputation as a mountain photographer, Freshfield invited Sella and his brother Erminio on a landmark expedition around Kangchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world, in 1899. In a letter to Sella, Freshfield wrote, 'Could I hope to get you to bring your equipment and experience…but I should like to see those great peaks and go around Kangchenjunga…I have thought so for 20 years…perhaps it has got too late!" The Kangchenjunga expedition encountered bad weather and extreme snowfall on many days. Sella was undaunted. He put his heavy tripod and 40-pound plate camera in the 3ft of snow on the Zemu glacier in North Sikkim and shot what was eventually recognised as one the finest photographs of Siniolchu (6,888m). Freshfield later described Siniolchu as 'the most superb triumph of mountain architecture and the most beautiful snow mountain in the world". The DAG exhibition has two prints of Siniolchu besides images of Kangchenjunga and other satellite peaks of the range. The expedition completed the circuit of the mountain crossing the high Jongsong La, around 6,045m, from Sikkim into Nepal in extremely difficult and snowy conditions. Sella's three major expeditions were with the Duke of the Abruzzi, who had a passion for mountains and the desire to climb the highest peaks in the world. The duke also wanted to document his expeditions and with this in mind, he invited Sella to accompany him to Alaska, Ruwenzori and finally to the Karakoram. In 1897, the duke along with Sella and his team summitted Mount Saint Elias in Alaska. In 1906, the duke asked Sella to accompany him to the Ruwenzori mountains in Uganda known as Mountains of the Moon. On the Uganda expedition along with the ascent of Mt Stanley, the fourth highest peak in Africa, Sella photographed the exotic vegetation, rainforests as well as the indigenous people of the region. Sella's last major expedition was to the Karakoram in 1909, at age 50, where he produced some of his finest work, including K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrums, Muztagh Tower and Chogolisa, all of which can be seen at the exhibition. There are some magnificent panoramas of the range from the Baltoro glacier. The climb of Chogolisa set a new altitude record of 7,498m, which remained unbroken until the British expedition to the Everest in 1922. Unfortunately, the duke was forced to turn around just 150m below the summit due to bad weather. Interestingly, Chogolisa remained unclimbed for 66 years until an Austrian expedition summitted the peak in 1975. Sella's photograph of the duke and his guides climbing the Chogolisa icefall with enormous seracs about to topple over their heads remains one of the classics of mountain photography. Sella returned to Biella in 1909 after the expedition and focused his energies on selling his prints and photographs. A large collection of his work was bought by the National Geographic Society in 1912. He was also made an honorary member of the American Alpine Club in 1938. Sella continued to climb in the Italian Alps, the Grand Paradiso ranges and in 1935, at the age of 76, he made one last attempt to climb the Matterhorn but was unsuccessful. Sella died in Biella in 1943 at the age of 84. In his memory, the Italian Alpine Club set up Rifugio Vittorio Sella, an alpine hut, in the Grand Paradiso National Park. One of the peaks in the Ruwenzori range of Africa on Mount Luigi di Savoia was also named Sella peak in his honour. In November 2019, I trekked to the Pangpema base camp of Kangchenjunga at 5,130m in Nepal, where Sella had climbed up to a grassy shelf and shot his magnificent panorama of Kangchenjunga and the glacier. In Sella's footsteps, I struggled up a steep slope trying to reach the viewpoint. The Nepal earthquake of 2015 had reduced the hillside to a jumble of rock and scree and the going was hard. As I looked out over the glacier and the base camp below to the lofty heights of Kangchenjunga on that clear autumn morning, what was most startling was the absence of snow on the glacier. In around 120 years, the snow covered glacier below Kangchenjunga had been reduced to a wasteland of rock and rubble. In these turbulent times of extreme weather patterns, glacial lake outbursts and climate change, Sella's photographs stand as testimony as to what the great glaciers and mountains of the Himalaya and Karakoram looked like many years ago. The legendary American landscape photographer Ansel Adams was a great admirer of Sella's work. In an article in the Sierra Club Bulletin in 1946, Adams says, '…we are amazed by the mood of calmness and perfection pervading all of Sella's photographs. In Sella's photographs there is no faked grandeur; rather there is understatement, caution, and truthful purpose…Sella has brought to us not only the facts and forms of far-off splendours of the world, but the essence of experience which finds a spiritual response in the inner recesses of our mind and heart." At Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata till 7 September, 10am-6pm. Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Sujoy Das is a Kolkata-based trekker, mountain photographer and co-author of Everest, Reflections on the Solukhumbu.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Victoria Memorial marks Partition trauma, I-Day
1 2 3 4 Kolkata: Two contrasting exhibitions are underway at Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH), one celebrating the 79th year of Independence and the other remembering the horrors of Partition that preceded it. The exhibition titled 'Past in Print: India's Freedom Struggle' in the Great Indian Reformers' Gallery delves into the pivotal role of print culture in India's fight for independence, offering a unique blend of history, art, and civic education. The exhibition is structured around five key themes, each highlighting the transformative power of print in the independence movement. 'The (Un) Making of an Icon' examines how posters of national icons were used to shape public memory and national identity. 'The Image of India' continues this exploration, focusing on the visual strategies employed to construct a collective national consciousness. 'People's Struggle' delves into the narratives of Adivasi communities, highlighting their resistance against caste, class, and land conflicts, as represented in print media. Finally, 'Satirising Power and the Struggle for Rights' showcases the satirical works of artists like Chittaprosad and Gaganendranath Tagore, who used humour and caricature to critique authority and advocate for rights. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata | Gold Rates Today in Kolkata | Silver Rates Today in Kolkata The show also features innovative projects crafted during workshops led by the DAG team, where students from schools such as Akshar, Daffodils High School, Future Hope, and Sir Syed Ahmed High School explored various forms of print media, including newspapers, magazines, and Swadeshi labels. The other exhibition, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, is a poignant tribute to one of the most significant and tragic events in South Asian history, shedding light on the human cost of the Partition of India in 1947. While doing so, it also fosters a deeper understanding of the Partition's impact and honours the resilience of those who endured its horrors. The Partition of India was not merely a geopolitical event; it was a seismic shift that altered the lives of millions. The line drawn in 1947 led to the displacement of nearly 12.5 million people, as communities that coexisted for centuries were torn apart. The exhibition seeks to capture the essence of this upheaval through a collection of photographs, letters, maps, and personal objects that tell the stories of those who lived through this tumultuous period. The artefacts on display bear silent witness to the lives that were irrevocably altered, offering a glimpse into the personal and collective trauma experienced by those who were forced to leave their homes and start anew in unfamiliar lands. The historical context of the Partition is also explored, with a focus on the pivotal role played by the last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten. His announcement of the Mountbatten Plan, which outlined the division of India and set Aug 15, 1947, as the date for the transfer of power, is a key feature of the exhibition. The plan accelerated the timeline for independence and partition, leading to a chaotic and often violent migration. The exhibition also delves into the press conference held by Lord Mountbatten, where over 300 journalists from around the world gathered to hear the details of the plan. The questions raised by the journalists, particularly concerning the fate of those forced to migrate, highlight the uncertainty and fear that gripped the region during this period. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
08-08-2025
- Time of India
VMH displays earliest photos of Himalayas for the 1st time in India
1 2 Kolkata: The beauty of the Himalayas, captured in lens at the turn of the 20th century before rampant "development" scarred the foothills and triggered tragedies like the flash flood at Uttarkashi on Tuesday, is on display at the Victoria Memorial Hall. These earliest high-altitude photographs of Kangchenjunga and K2 have never been displayed in India before. The collection of photographs of the Sikkim Himalaya and the Karakoram ranges were clicked by Italian Vittorio Sella, a pioneer of mountain photography. Recorded over a hundred years ago and significant both historically and artistically, the images continue to evoke a sense of wonder that Sella himself must have felt. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata The exhibition 'Vittorio Sella: Photographer in the Himalaya' is possibly the largest collection of Sella's Indian views outside the Vittorio Sella Foundation. It is presented by DAG and curated by distinguished British explorer and author Hugh Thomson. DAG chief executive officer and managing director Ashish Anand said, "Last year, in Histories in the Making, we looked at how early photography was used as a medium for documenting India's ancient monuments between 1855 and 1920. We now move from India's built to its natural heritage. Sella (1859-1943) was a pioneer both as a photographer and as a mountaineer. Combining the two accomplishments, he brought mountain photography into the modern era. He travelled and climbed in many parts of the world, including India, where he clicked some of the most iconic images of the Himalaya." The exhibition at the VMH Durbar Hall will be underway for a month. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
3rd public display ever for rare Dali etchings at Victoria Memorial Hall
1 2 3 4 5 6 Kolkata: The Victoria Memorial Hall has put on display two colour etchings of Salvador Dali, the only originals of the Spanish Catalan surrealist master that any museum or gallery in India possesses. The twin Dali works were among 83 original drawings, etchings, lithographs, and opaque watercolours that the New York-based Kolkata-born artist Bimal Banerjee had donated to VMH authorities in 1990. The etchings in colour are on copper plates, printed on Japanese rice paper, and signed by the artist in pencil. This is only the third time that they are being displayed in public. The two previous occasions were in 1993 and 2014. The exhibition is currently drawing art lovers and will be on till the end of July. "The two untitled colour etchings of the 'Macbeth Series' signed by Dali have been displayed in the central hall to celebrate the enduring legacy of museums and the genius of one of the most iconic artists of the 20th century," Victoria Memorial Hall secretary and curator-in-charge Anurag Kumar told TOI. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata Apart from the Dali etchings, his donation to VMH included works by Italian artist Giorgio de Chirico, who founded the Scuola Metafisica Art Movement that profoundly influenced the surrealists; French artist Sonia Delaunay and her husband Robert Delaunay, who co-founded the Orphism Art Movement; French painter Georges Braque, known for inventing Cubism; and Swiss German painter Paul Klee, whose lectures and writings on colour theory and form and design theory published in English as the 'Paul Klee Notebooks' are considered as important for modern art as Leonardo da Vinci's 'A Treatise on Painting' for the Renaissance. Banerjee, an accomplished artist, told TOI in 2014 that Dali presented him with the etchings. He said he donated the works to VMH to ensure that budding artists could get a chance to view original masterpieces by modern European masters.
Business Standard
14-06-2025
- General
- Business Standard
Sundeep Bhutoria Nominated to the Board of Victoria Memorial Hall by Ministry of Culture
PNN Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], June 14: The Ministry of Culture, Government of India, has nominated prominent Kolkata-based cultural personality, author and philanthropist, Sundeep Bhutoria, to the Board of Trustees of the Victoria Memorial Hall (VMH) for a three-year term. "Victoria Memorial Hall is embedded in Bengal's psyche as an icon of art, architecture, and culture. I am proud to associate with a glorious heritage symbol for Bengal and the nation - an enduring icon of art and architecture whose cultural initiatives I greatly admire. It is an honour to associate and contribute," said Mr Bhutoria whose deep roots in the cultural sector include current service on the Board of Trustees of the Indian Museum, Kolkata. Mr Bhutoria brings a formidable portfolio of cultural and philanthropic engagement: Fellow of London's Royal Society of Arts; member of Royal Overseas League London, India International Centre (IIC), India Habitat Centre (IHC) and Rajasthan International Centre and trustee of Education for All Trust. He is also a Member of the Expert Committee of the Cultural Function and Production Grant of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India and a member of the Advisory Committee of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and a brand ambassador for the Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre (EZCC). Mr Bhutoria's global impact includes representing India at United Nations Associations (UNA) forums. He was instrumental in setting up The WFUNA Foundation - a global non-profit organization that promotes the principles and work of the United Nations. The WFUNA Foundation, launched in 2015 by the then Foreign Minister of India, Ms Sushma Swaraj, supports youth-led initiatives and works to advance the United Nation's mission in India. As Managing Trustee of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation (PKF), he actively promotes Indian art, literature, and culture across India, Europe, the USA, and West Asia and is also engaged in preserving folk art and culture of India. PKF is also engaged in various social welfare activities involving children, women and the elderly. Mr Bhutoria has also curated popular branded cultural events like An Author's Afternoon, Aakhar, Chaupal, Ek Mulakat, Kalam, Kitaab, Lafz, Tete-a-Tea, The Write Circle and The Universe Writes. All these events have created a series of social and cultural calendar bringing together litterateurs and literary groups spanning the country and beyond. Mr Bhutoria, who is also on the board of Petronet LNG Ltd, has also launched many CSR projects for corporates. He is actively involved with prestigious organizations like The Bengal - a Kolkata based NGO of prominent citizens; Pronam - a joint venture of The Bengal and Kolkata Police to support senior citizens of Kolkata. A prolific author and globetrotter, his works include - The Safari, China Diary, The Norway Diary, Global Desi, Calcuttascape, Aap Biti Jag Biti, The Bera Bond, Amar Kolkata and My Life My Travels.
