Black Beauties on Canvas
An idiosyncratic series of paintings, each representing daily life at the steam locomotive shed in 1970’s Indian Railways.
By Heritage Directorate, Indian Railways
Kishore Pratim Biswas
A steam locomotive on Canvas by Kisore Pratim Biswas, Mumbai, IndiaHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
The unusual character of Indian steam locomotives is visible in these paintings. The colours of the engine were mostly black and grey, the body looks too muddy, dusty and unclean which made the surface a unique look.
A steam locomotive on Canvas by Kisore Pratim Biswas, Mumbai, IndiaHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
This painting captures the movement of several people like firemen, signalmen, technical men, drivers and workers at the locomotive workshops.
A steam locomotive on Canvas by Kisore Pratim Biswas, Mumbai, IndiaHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
Each with a deep expression, the faces here are unusual, usually bearded and soot-covered, but each person sports a red pagri.
Steam Locomotive on Canvas by Kisore Pratim Biswas, Mumbai, IndiaHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
This painting depicts a water column and shunt-man with a green flag.
Steam Locomotive on Canvas by Kisore Pratim Biswas, Mumbai, IndiaHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
Working in locomotives means extended time in hot conditions, but these faces find no reason not to carry a smile.
Steam Locomotive men on Canvas by Kisore Pratim Biswas, Mumbai, IndiaHeritage Directorate, Indian Railways
This series of paintings offers a glimpse - imagined, of course, and even fantastical, at times - into the lives of railway workers in the 1970’s.
Artist: Kishore Pratim Biswas, of Mumbai.
Set in the 1970s, the paintings are inspired by Bandel Steam Locomotive Shed of Eastern Railway.
