ON THE OCCASSION OF ITS SESQUICENTENARY 1997

THE LAWRENCE SCHOOL

PRESENTS

Impressions of
Sanawar

Drawings by: Rathin Mitra
Text by: Harish Dhillon

 SANAWAR

The Lawrence School, Sanawar was founded in 1847 as the Lawrence Military Asylum for the children of British soldiers serving in India. Probably the world's 1st residential co-educational school, Its series of 1sts includes the award of the King's colours (twice). Renamed the Lawrence Royal Military School in 1922 and the current name in 1947, it steadily evolved into, not only India's, but one of the world's finest public schools. Its most visible feature is the beautiful campus; a hilltop of 140 acres with profusion of trees and colonial buildings, carrying another worldly charm that casts a spell on every visitor.

Sanawar celebrates its sesquicenetary in 1997, for which it is publishing a book of 65 sketches of Sanawar buildings and places in vicinity intimately, connected with its history. These capture the unique ambience of Sanawar. The sketches portray the aesthetic and architectural beauty of nostalgia in the hearts of all those who have passed through the portals of Sanawar. Rathin Mitra has created a masterpiece; a collector's item that will be cherished for its artistic merit by all those who see it and which will become a prized possession for all who have had any connection with Sanawar.

THE ARTIST

Perhaps the most outstanding visual essayist of the country, Calcutta based Rathin Mitra has done over 1,000 remarkable drawings of the city's landmarks and he is perhaps, its first living artist to have exhibited at the Victoria Memorial Hall along with the works of old European masters like Daniells, Charles D'oyly, Fraser, and Wood.

Rathin Mitra was the first Indian Art Master of The Lawrence School Sanawar (1950-54), he has taught fine arts at various public schools in the country and abroad. Now 70 years old, his lines and compositions still speak of infinite youthfulness. The aesthetic quality of his views of Sanawar would inspire any connoisseur or a lover of art.

THE NARRATOR

Dr Harish Dhillon was a student at Sanawar from 1949-54. With a stint as a teacher at the school, 1971-86, he is currently its Headmaster. A prolific short story writer and his stories have been published in various magazines and journals.

He brings his writing skills to bear upon the place he loves and provides befitting notes to accompany Rathin Mitra's outstanding sketches

The book will be 22 cm x 35 cm, with 65 sepia sketches on parchment paper each with its accompanying text page. The first print order is for 1,000 copies.

 Sketch pages are available for ... (continued here)