A walk through the revival of the David Sassoon Library by Abha Narain Lambah on World Heritage Day

As the golden rays of the morning sun stretches across the cobbled streets of Kala Ghoda (Mumbai), the neighborhood stirs to life with sights and sounds. It was a day like any other. As we walked past the museum, the aroma of freshly brewed chai wafted from a corner tea stall. Nearby, the iconic black horse sculpture—a symbol of Kala Ghoda’s artistic soul—stood proud in the heart of the square, watched over by the grand façade of the David Sassoon Library & Reading Room.

Established in 1867 by the philanthropy of Baghdadi Jewish merchant David Sassoon, this Victorian Gothic masterpiece has not only endured the test of time but has also become a cherished symbol of intellectual pursuit and community engagement. Like many historic structures of its age, this 156-year-old UNESCO site faced urgent restoration needs due to water infiltration over time. Issues such as leakages and deteriorating plaster walls necessitated a comprehensive upgrade suited to the building’s delicate nature. The ambitious restoration was spearheaded by Abha Narain Lambah in partnership with Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of JSW Foundation. Alongside securing India’s foremost conservation architect, the project enlisted support from donors including ICICI Foundation, Hermés and the Kala Ghoda Association.

A pivotal focus of the restoration was the reading room’s original roof on the first level. When last renovated in 1997, a reinforced concrete slab replaced the original gabled roof, initially chosen for maintenance convenience. However, persistent leaks prompted the strategic removal of this slab, replaced by a new MS framed portal roof with multiple waterproofing layers.

A closer look into archival materials uncovered details like cresting and finials, guiding the restoration efforts that extended to Burma teak wood ceilings and rafters. Original wrought iron grill work, mostly intact, was meticulously preserved. Another crucial aspect involved recreating the original mosaic tile flooring imported from England in the 19th century, painstakingly restored from the entrance foyer to the first-floor Reading Room and verandah.

Furthermore, the restoration breathed new life into the library’s interior furnishings, with floor-to-ceiling shelves, solid teak tables adorned with Gothic elements, and furniture inset with handmade ceramic tiles, all restored to their former glory.

Gentle restoration techniques were employed for the library’s magnificent façade, including stone-cleaning, pointing and the use of a sensitive façade-coating material. Notably, the stone surfaces on the front porch and ornamental cornice bands on the first floor and terrace were meticulously treated.

Despite losses over the years due to leaks, the library’s restoration project ensures future protection for its vast collection, now securely housed and safeguarded against further damage. With thorough sealing and waterproofing, over 30,000 books in various languages (including English, Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi and Kannada) have found renewed preservation. Additionally, the oldest books on architecture and design now grace restored period bookshelves within the reading room. Today, the David Sassoon Library shines anew, acting as a getaway from the city’s clamour.

Fact File

Architect: Abha Narain Lambah Associates

Photograph courtesy Abha Narain Lambah Associates