Reviving dying crafts at Victoria Technical Institute, one step at a time

It’s hard to not notice this heritage building on Mount Road. Established in 1887, Victoria Technical Institute (VTI) has redefined time travel through its presence by seeing transitions from Madras to Chennai; from tram-ways to Metros. Over decades of being the best that the country has got, they hold a unique position in the handicrafts industry. We took a tour of the beautiful campus and met a few artisans who were more than happy to share their association with the institute.

All the goods on exhibit are handmade and are obtained from craftsmen scattered all over the country. “VTI was established as a public charitable trust in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria and was registered as a society in 1889. We nurture the talent in the rural sectors and have worked on finding a way to revive the art using the skills of the artisans and develop a demand for their products in the industry.

Over 1,000 artisans are encouraged for their work. Former judge of the Madras high court, Justice P Shanmugam is the present administrator,” says Swathi, the CEO of VTI.

A thing of beauty requires a proper setting for it to be fully appreciated and the three storied institute has got a spacious premises. Accounts manager-cum-sales-in-charge Hema took us around and introduced us to artisans, who translate their passion into beautifully crafted, elegant structures. She says, “We are at a revival phase and it doesn’t happen overnight. Apart from providing a platform to showcase their work, VTI also helps them procure the raw materials. I’ve been working here for 22 years and know how Chennaiites love the place and our products.”

You will get a sense of grandeur when you enter the heritage structure. Seventy-seven-year-old M. Govindaswamy, who has been with VTI for the past 45 years, specialises in cane crafts. “This is my second home — I’ve seen the institute’s highs and lows. CT Philips, who built the institute, gave me a chance to make cane items and sell them here itself. I go to Parry’s  Corner twice a week to procure the raw materials that are obtained from Assam. Many people come over and watch me in action. But sadly, craft is losing its grip and we have to bring the handicraft industry back to its glory.” Another artisan, Babu has been working at VTI since 1996. “VTI is perhaps one of the places where you can find remnants of an era. Also, they constantly invite new artisans to display the best of their workmanship here.”

At the art gallery behind the main building, there is an ongoing exhibition for Navarathri. The exhibition includes golu dolls, Tanjore paintings, Kondalapalli toys, Chanapatna toys, paper mache products, worli painting, terracotta products, brass items and much more.