Meet the team at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Mysuru

Restoration work underway in the West Block at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, Mysuru 

Earlier this month, the DHF team at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion and Folklore Museum in Mysuru welcomed new members, expanding to include experts in restoration, collection cataloging, artefact conservation, and outreach. Together, they are committed to preserving and sharing the museum’s heritage.

Our team of contractors and engineers held a special pooja, to invite good luck and seek blessings for a smooth and successful restoration ahead.

Mr. Shivakumar, the services contractor at Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion, performing a pooja with DHF co-founders, Dr. Helen Philon and Stephane Bloch-Saloz, and other members of the team.

The on-ground museum staff recently participated in an object-handling workshop to assist with moving heavy and delicate artefacts, such as this large buta sculpture (pictured above) that can weigh up to 15 kg. The training focused on proper techniques to ensure the safe handling and preservation of items in the Folklore Museum collection, ranging from small objects to substantial, human-sized sculptures.

The Conservation Team is currently focused on cleaning and preserving photographic prints discovered in the West Block of the mansion. This meticulous process involves soft moistening to gently lift dirt and grime, followed by the use of specialised rubber to remove any remaining residue. This helps ensure that the prints are carefully restored and protected for future display.

The Documentation Team has transformed a former bedroom in the North Block of Jayalakshmi Vilas Mansion into an imaging lab. Currently, the team is photographing a wooden buta sculpture as part of their ongoing efforts to create a digital catalogue of the museum’s collection.

This project would not be possible without the support of the Harish & Bina Shah Foundation (HBSF) and partial funding by the prestigious Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Get in touch with us for more information about how to get involved and support our ongoing restoration projects.

Discover and explore the historic city of Mysuru in our latest DHF guidebook, which is available in both paperback and digital format on the DHF Bookstore.