For the cause of art

VIKAS S KHATRI

The Sir J.J.School of Art was founded in 1857 with a donation of Rs. 1,00,000 from Sir Jamshedji Jeejibhoy the first Baronet. Mr. Griffiths who took charge as a Principal of the School in 1865 undertook the work of copying Ajanta murals in 1872 and finished it in 1881.

In 1910, Sir George Clarks Studies and Laboratories were built for the advanced study of crafts, pottery being the first craft taken up for study. Pottery produced by this laboratory achieved perfection and was acknowledged in several exhibitions in London, Antwerp, Amsterdam and other places. In 1929, the School was converted into a separate Art department and the Principal was redesignated as Director.

This school has played a great role in the cultural development of the country. The bronze cast of the Ashok emblem on the dome of New Council Hall, Mumbai is a work executed by the teachers and students of this school.

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