Shri M.N. Manikandan
Is a distinguished art conservator with over 34+ years of experience in the conservation of paintings, art objects, and monumental structures. Since 1996, he has also specialized in the conservation of stained-glass windows, contributing significantly to preserving India’s artistic heritage.His formal journey in conservation began under the guidance of mentors Dr. Sukanta Basu and Shri Sanjay Dhar at the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH). During his 13 years of service with INTACH, he received extensive training in the scientific conservation of a wide range of art forms, including paintings, wall murals, manuscripts, sculpture, metalwork, and architectural finishes. These formative years helped him develop a broad approach and improved his technical and artistic skills in handling both movable and fixed heritage objects
In 1997, Shri Manikandan was awarded the prestigious Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarship through the British Council India. As part of this scholarship, he undertook specialized training in stained-glass conservation through a three-month intensive program in the United Kingdom. His training was carried out in renowned studios such as the York Glaziers Trust, Hollywell Glass, and Studio Nineteen, under the supervision of internationally recognized stained-glass conservator Alfred Fisher MBE and other leading experts. During this time, he worked hands-on with stained-glass restoration teams in the UK, gaining deep insight into the traditional techniques and ethical approaches required for the conservation of historic architectural glass.
Following his return to India, and after gaining significant field experience, Shri Manikandan transitioned into independent practice and went on to establish CIACH (Conservation Initiative for Art and Cultural Heritage)—a professional conservation studio based in India. Under his leadership, CIACH has become a trusted name in the field of art restoration, offering conservation services for paintings, murals, manuscripts, sculptures, and stained-glass windows. His studio has contributed to the conservation of artworks and structures in temples, churches, palaces, and museums across India.
In 2024, he was awarded INTACH Martand Singh Memorial Prize, Kilimanur Raja ravi varma foundation award, etc. With decades of expertise and a reputation for scientific integrity and sensitivity to cultural context, Shri M.N. Manikandan continues to play a vital role in preserving India’s tangible heritage for future generations.
