Now a group of local architects, art historians and officials are hoping to mobilise international help to prevent further damage to Le Corbusier's unique Indian legacy. A report commissioned by the government in Chandigarh has recommended a campaign targeting the UN heritageagency, Unesco, as well as foreign governments, especially in Europe where many of the items have been auctioned. Informal approaches to embassies in Delhi have failed, the unpublished report, seen by the Guardian, says.

The campaigners are led by Manmohan Nath Sharma, who was the first assistant of Le Corbusier in Chandigarh and later took over as chief architect of the city. "What is being lost is irreplaceable," he said, speaking in the home he designed in the centre of Chandigarh and surrounded by prints and paintings given to him by Le Corbusier. "Our heritage is going to be gone forever. This matter is being taken very lightly by the authorities so now we need international help. This is a handmade city. It is unique. It can never be replaced."

A Chandigarh manhole cover recently sold for £15,000, although there is no suggestion the furniture was bought or sold illegally.

cont'd....
http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/mar/07/chandigarh-le-corbusier-heritage-site?CMP=twt_gu

On 07-Jul-2007, at 7:53 PM, Architexturez wrote:

| Outlook has an article on the sale. About two years too
| late. Anyone remember that 'taters' thread when the tendency
| was spotted?

ref: http://mail.architexturez.net/+/In-Enaction/archive/msg01471.shtml

| of interest, especially, are the academic-cons who seem
| to be opposing the very policy they helped foster.
| (anyone remember the 'inside-outside people' thread?)

ref: http://mail.architexturez.net/+/In-Enaction/archive/msg00903.shtml