October 19, 2010

RODERICK CAMERON'S INDIA


The guardians of Sheikh Salim's tomb.

I've been intrigued by Roderick "Rory" Cameron and his La Fiorentina for quite some time, but even more so after reading this Christopher Petkanas story here {T magazine} from The New York Times. I am slowly collecting Cameron's books on history and travel. This past weekend, his Shadows From India arrived. I will spend hours intrigued by this album of architectural history, pattern, and delight—from Ancient Hindu to Mogul India, Rajput to British India, and a section on Kashmir—the isolated corner of India. First published in 1958, Cameron's exquisite photographs are a true delight—the light/shadows feel so right. I felt compelled to share some of these lovely photographs with you.



Outside Sheikh Salim Chisti's tomb at Fatchpur-Sikri


Built by Shah Jahan at Amjer


Royal palace at Agra with Bengali-roofed side pavilions


Mogul garden in geometric design


Mogul tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah, built in 1628

Many of the shadows from India come from the light that filters through the lattice windows.


A window in Akbar's tomb at Sikandra


Inlaid floors from the Palace at Delhi




An inlaid panel in I'timad-ud-Daulah's tomb reflects a strong Persian influence


Marble tracery in Salim Chisti's tomb


The palace at Agra


The entrance to the tomb of I'timad-ud-Daulah


Hall of Public Audience at Delhi


Palm over the grey sand-banks of the Jumna River


Shah Jahan's Palace at Delhi


Inner courtyard of a house in Udaipur, decorated with folk art


Seventeenth-century Persian glass mosaic of flowers, grapes and hibiscus


Marble elephants guard the water steps at The Jamandar Palace


The palace of Dig at Bharatpur built in 1725 by Suraj Mal, founder of the Bharatpur dynasty


Cloth bazaar


Women stringing and selling jasmine-like beads


A "nahob's" residence {Anglo-Indian definition of the word > a person of great wealth}


Detail of the Old Mint and its Greek Revival architecture


The man-made lake at Lucknow, built by Frenchman Claude Martin


Cameron's bedroom at Clark's Hotel at Benares


Bungalows at Poona with latticed verandas


A bungalow with 'baronial Gothic' detail in Bangalore


Charming bungalow


Entrance to a delightful house-boat moored on the River Jhelum in Kashmir


Lovely Nishat Bagh gardens at the very base of the Himalayas in Kashmir
Book cover pattern

All Photos: courtesy, Shadows From India by Roderick Cameron, William Heinemann Ltd.

8 comments:

  1. How beautiful. I would love to be on that house boat RIGHT NOW.

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  2. SP... so would I!! Have a wonderful day. ; )

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  3. History, travel & architecture are a thrill to me. Seeing all the images helps me understand how textile designers get inspiration from vintage images. I say we all should be on that house boat right about now!

    Fabulous post as always Barbara. I must read that "T" mag. article. Wishing you a lovely Thursday with your sisters sweet Barbara. xo xo

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  4. Dwb, So true about textiles and oh... that houseboat! India is next on my travel list. A great Thursday to you, too! Good luck with the showings. ox Barbara

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  5. Endlessly inspiring. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Hi Casey, I'm fascinated by India. Next trip! ; )

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  7. absolutely inspiring! thank you so much for writing about Roderick Cameron... wonderful!

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  8. Hi. I am researching ancient Indian architecture and have to buy " Shadows from India". Please share the source from where you bought this book.
    Thanks

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I love reading your comments. And, I thank you so much for visiting!