Over three decades in conservation
Shri M.N. Manikandan is a senior art conservator based in Kerala. He has built his career in the conservation of paintings, art objects and monuments, and has specialised in stained glass windows since 1996.
He trained at the INTACH Art Conservation Centre in New Delhi and in leading stained glass studios in the UK, then founded CIACH to bring that scientific care to India’s heritage. Today he leads its team and mentors emerging conservators.
A Life in Conservation
Early years
Begins as a trainee at S.M.M Theatre Crafts Trust in New Delhi, working with plaster of Paris, papier-mache, wood and paper. In 1990 he joins the INTACH Art Conservation Centre under Dr. Sukanta Basu, working on painting, monument, paper and mural conservation.
Stained glass
Takes part in a stained glass conservation workshop in Delhi, led by a team of foreign conservators. Stained glass becomes a lasting focus of his work.
Training in the UK
Awarded the scholarship through British Council India, he trains for three months in UK studios including York Glaziers Trust, Hollywell Glass and Studio Nineteen, supervised by Alfred Fisher MBE and other experts.Royal Opera House
Restores the remaining 18 panels of musicians and writers for the Royal Opera House, which reopens in October 2016 after 23 years.
National recognition
Honoured for his contribution to reviving the craft of restoring stained glass.
Leading CIACH
Continues his journey as a senior art conservator, leading CIACH and its team on projects across India and mentoring the next generation of conservators.From the Archive
Practice through methods & experience
- 01Art Conservation & Restoration
- 02Oil Painting Conservation
- 03Stained Glass
- 04Academic & Technical Development
INTACH-Martand Singh Memorial Award
In March 2024 he received the fifth INTACH-Martand Singh Memorial Award, which recognises artisans in handicrafts, textiles and handlooms, and architectural crafts. He was honoured for his contribution to reviving the craft of restoring stained glass. Bindu Manchanda, who heads INTACH’s craft and community division, said the art of stained glass is “archaic and fading away, and artisans who restore them are even fewer.”
As reported by mid-day, 19 March 2024
Notable Projects
Falaknuma Palace
More than 60% of the glass was missing from the dome of the Gol Bungalow. Working from the surviving glass and the broken fragments found on the floor, he reconstructed the complete design on paper.
Royal Opera House
The restoration, led by conservation architect Abha Narain Lambah, brought in specialists for each element of the building. He was appointed to restore the remaining 18 of the ground-floor panels of musicians and writers.
Source: Mumbai Mirror, 17 September 2016
Other Projects
- TanjoreMural and wall painting conservation
- RajkotOil painting conservation
- MalankaraOil painting conservation
T.K. Padmini Painting Restoration
A video documentation for the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, from Faisal Mohammed’s YouTube channel.
News & Features
Mumbai Diary: Tuesday Dossier
A report on the fifth INTACH-Martand Singh Memorial Award and his part in reviving the restoration of stained glass.
Stained to stun
On the stained glass in Chennai’s historic buildings, quoting him as an art and stained glass conservator.
Architectural Gems: 7 Restoration Marvels From Across India
Names him as an art restorer on the interiors of the Royal Opera House, Mumbai.
After a gap of 23 years, Opera house will reopen in Oct
The story of the Royal Opera House restoration, including his appointment to restore 18 of its panels.