MUMBAI: In a quiet corner of JJ School of Art, where generations of India’s artistic talent have been nurtured, a remarkable discovery is reshaping the institution’s legacy. Rare and evocative works by celebrated artists and ex-students such as S H Raza, V S Gaitonde, M V Dhurandhar, G D Deuskar and Yashwant Deshmukh – long hidden away in the dean’s studio – are finally emerging into the light after years of obscurity.
Each canvas, a silent witness to a bygone era, is being carefully catalogued. They will be transferred to the newly formed university, restored and put up in a new campus museum for connoisseurs and students. “The layers of dust, time and fungus will be lifted gently, revealing strokes and stories that once defined an era of profound artistic expression. Thousands of these works of art are our pride and they will reclaim their rightful place in the new building that will house a public museum on our campus,” said Rajanish Kamat, in-charge vice-chancellor, Sir JJ University of Art, Architecture and Design.

A proposal to construct a new building which will house the museum and art galleries is being drawn up and will be submitted to the govt.
The collection spans thousands of drawings and paintings – contributions from students, faculty, guest artists and generous donors. Many have been rescued from decay, while others are being audited and catalogued for restoration. Each piece, valued in crores, will undergo meticulous care before finding its way out of drawers and cupboards to the museum’s walls. Additionally, 25-30 sculptures will be restored and displayed, enriching the collection.
JJ Univ to inherit priceless ‘treasure of visual history’
The newly formed Sir JJ University of Art, Architecture & Design will inherit a priceless collection of thousands of art works. Several frames and canvases that were in the office of the art directorate of the state have been sent for audit and will be handed over to the university.
“Institutes… have their corpus in the form of savings and FDs. As a part of the han dover, this new university will, of course, get the land and buildings, but also rich rare works that are exclusive, special and priceless.
These will go into understanding the history of art and shape the minds of several generations to come,” said Rajanish Kamat, in-charge vice-chancellor.
University registrar Shashikant Kakade highlighted the unique value of the works, noting that they are not just art but “teaching materials,” revealing the early journey of iconic artists. “We know SH Raza as an abstract master, but here we see his landscapes and portraits from his student days,” Kakade said.
Former dean Vishwanath Sable described the collection as a “treasure of visual history”, offering future generations an academic lens into India’s artistic evolution. Another 25-30 sculptures will also be restored and made available for public viewing once the museum is built.