Directorate of Museum
 

It may not be out of place if some information is given about the work and activities of the various technical sections of the Baroda Museum which contribute to the proper maintenance and development of the museum and its various sections.

Taxidermy Section

The work of skinning and mounting of Birds and small Mammals as also their cleaning and repairs is done in this section. This section prepares new specimens for display and replaces old ones in the galleries of the Natural History Sections.

This section prepares plaster-cast models of reptiles, amphibians, fishes etc. for gallery display and also undertake repairs to various exhibits made of terracotta, stones etc. It also assists in the preparation of foreground and background for the dioramas and habitat group cases.

The Chemical Conservation Laboratory is in charge -of a person who is one of the foremost researchers in India. It carries out scientific conservation and preservation of various categories of objects such as woodwork, bronzes, sculptures, textiles, Indian paintings, Mss. etc. This laboratory has now developed into a Central laboratory for the Gujarat State and is equipped with the latest devices to enable the chemist to carry out conservation work of even, the most delicate objects. Research into the causes of deterioration and methods of preservation of museum antiquities, as also their publication is the primary function of this laboratory.

[ Top ]

The Picture Restoration Studio undertakes conservation and restoration of the rare and valuable collection of European oil paintings of the Baroda Picture Gallery. This studio is in charge of an experienced person who has received special training in the U. K. in the various techniques of picture restoration work.

This section helps in research work by preparing photographs of new acquisitions for publication in the museum Bulletin. It also undertakes to supply photographs to research scholars for study and publication.

There is a full-time skilled carpenter on the staff who prepares frames and pedestals, helps in arranging exhibitions and Exhibit displays, and carries out day-to-day repairs, additions and alteration to museum show-cases and other dead-stock material.

The museum maintains an excellent reference library containing over 20,000 books and periodicals, of which some are very rare. It receives a large number of important Art journals and other periodicals from allover the world in exchange of the Baroda Museum publications. The library is very popular with the students and visitors and is maintaining a high standard of service to research scholars.

Small wonder that with the unique opportunities and liberal facilities, of the kind mentioned above, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery is playing an increasingly important role in the life of local residents and the outside visitors. Like Museums the world over, it remains a sanctuary - a very precious niche - which prevents people from losing touch with the beautiful and the artistic - laying bare the ideals and living spirit of a million ages.