Page 56 - HUDCO DESIGN AWARDS

CONSERVATION OF KENESETH ELIYAHOO SYNAGOGUE, MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA

The interiors of the spectacular prayer hall had undergone a series of insensitive alterations ranging from painting over
of carved stone friezes and sculpture, to insensitively placed tube lights, switches and electrical conduits over
architectural details, greatly detracted from the architectural ambience of the once grand interior.
Paint: It was found that the walls, cast iron columns, timber brackets and all other ornamental elements in the main hall
were painted over in many layers over the years. On the removal of these layers the original paint scheme with ornate
stencils was found on 2 walls of the building. An intensive exercise of matching these colour to bring back the original
color scheme was carried out by the Team. The interiors of the main hall now reflect the original pastels.
Minton Tiles: The main hall has Minton tile flooring in the form of an intricate pattern. The tiles in one of the corners of
the main hall were completely damaged and covered with another flooring. Tiles from the Bharat tile company were
ordered for to replace the missing tiles. The team made samples and spent extensive time in making the mould and
matching the many colours in the original tile pattern.
Furniture & Illumination: The Prayer hall has various old pieces of furniture such as high back ornate chairs and 41 timber
benches of various lengths for devotees to sit during their prayers. Some of these benches were damaged and has
missing parts and meshwork which has been repaired. All the furniture had been re-polished. It has various types of
beautiful brass Chandeliers hung at various levels. Many of the fittings has missing glasses, arms etc and have all been
repaired and polished.