Posted on: 11 June 2012

Delhi Durbar 1911 Royal Shaminana at Amphitheatre

Scale drawing in pen and black ink with gold paint and red watercolour wash detailing of the Royal Shamiana (tent or canopy) used at the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The drawing shows the Shamiana from the front, detailing the balustrade and canopy supports, along with the canopy of the Shamiana. The drawing has a scale and dimensions.

Inscription Content: Lionel Heath
Principal, Mayo School of Art, Lahore

Inscription Comment: Heath's signature on this drawing does not guarantee that he was its author, rather that, as head of the Mayo School of Art, he approved the drawing for use.

Curator's comments:
The thrones of the King and Queen were placed under this canopy for the ceremonies performed at the Durbar. At the Delhi Durbar, George V announced that the capital of India would be moved from Calcutta to Delhi.

This drawing comes from a collection of twelve drawings (1915,1126,0.1-12) prepared at the Mayo School of Art, Lahore. The drawings detail the main structures and decorations used in the Delhi Durbar of 1911. The 1911 Delhi Durbar was held to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. The Durbar was attended by both King George V and Queen Mary.

© Trustees of the British Museum


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