Spotlight on the Jehangir Nicholson Gallery

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (formerly called the Prince of Wales Museum) now houses the Jehangir Nicholson Gallery. A major portion of its recently constructed 2nd floor annexe is now taken up by the captivating collection, a visual treat, a true testament to the zest and passion of an avid lover of modern Indian art.

The keen collector travelled all across India to view and buy art cutting across different forms, themes and mediums. He progressively became more meticulous and methodological about his quest of collecting; getting more and more conscious of the fact that he was pursuing his dream of a museum. His collection gradually became archival in nature. His constant rearrangement of his treasured art collection pointed to an obsessive streak in him. All these traits are evident in the exhibition of his vast and rich artworks in Mumbai.

Rightfully, Jehangir Nicholson’s collection is considered among the richest and most diverse in its vastness of modern masterpieces that he bought from painters like Jitish Kallat, Sudarshan Shetty and Baiju Parthan, as well. A key indicator of its intrinsic value is reflected in two of Souza’s milestone works – ‘Mammon’ (1961) and ‘Death of the Pope’ (1962) – that belonged to him. He engaged actively and identified with his collection and loved discussing his coveted possessions in great detail and depth, facets that are inherent to a genuine and committed collector, who has left behind a rich legacy.

Incidentally, Laxman Shreshtha introduced him to several other talented artists like Akbar Padamsee, Tyeb Mehta, MF Husain, SH Raza etc. Also on his advice, the enthusiastic collector made umpteen studio visits and developed close bonds with prominent artists like Krishen Khanna. Jehangir Nicholson’s understanding of contemporary art was sharpened by his acute observation. His debates and conversations with art practitioners, gallery owners, scholars, critics and reviewers further enhanced his knowledge and grasping of art history as well as trends.