MADRAS CRAFT FOUNDATION LIBRARY

With its collection of well-selected rare books, pertaining to art and culture of South India, Madras Craft Foundation Library is a haven for book lovers.

The library, with a modest total of 2,500 books, in a converted residential flat, makes up for its lack of numbers by the quality of its collection. Many books seen here are rare, on subjects like Folklore, Anthropology, Vasthu Shasthra, Museum studies, Temple Architecture, Sculpting etc.

Some rare arts books that can be found here include detailed texts about Kalamkari a traditional art of painting with vegetable dyes as practised in Andhra Pradesh, books on Mithila painting, which is indigenous to Bihar and some rare publications which are out of print like Art of Indian Asia, Volume I & II and 5,000 years of Art and Crafts in India and Pakistan. Some interesting reports are also available in the library which are result of research carried out by the foundation itself. One can find information on Utensils used in Temples of South India, Potters in Chennai and Vernacular Architechture, which are otherwise unpublished. This kind of information is of immense use to students of Architechture and Fine arts, who frequent the library.

The library also has the comprehensive collection of the prestigious Marg Journal, right from 1953. It also has back editions of leading art journals like Sangeeth Natak and India Magazine. Most of the books in this collection are through donations. The library, started in 1984 by Deborah Thiaagarajan, also has photographic records on local architechture, textiles, traditional handicrafts, utensils etc. Copies of these photographs can be bought from the library. Photocopying facilities are also available.

Open Weekdays 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. On Saturdays - 10.00 am to 1.00 pm.

Address: Madras Craft Foundation, 6, Urur Olcott Road, Besant Nagar, Chennai - 600 090
Phone: 2446 2435
Email: mcfdak@md3.vsnl.net.in
URL: http://www.dakshinchitra.org

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