VICEROY'S HOME

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1001, 18 June 1930, Page 6

VICEROY'S HOME

WORK STARTED IN 19)3 INDIAN MATERIALS USED Tlie Viceroy o£ India and Lady Irwin, wiio are in residence at “New Delhi,” officially opened their new home recently. Sir Edward Lutjens, the architect, told a “Times” reporter there had been numerous difficulties in the building of the house, which was started in 1913. “There have been four Viceroys,” he said, “Lord Hardinge, Lord Chelmsford. Lord Reading and Lord Irwin. Also the war intervened, which considerably hindered progress. In all the circumstances the work has been carried through very satisfactorily. “All material, labour and other essentials used are Indian. The Imperial Delhi will stand as a monument to British rule in India and also to | Indian workmanship. My object | throughout has been to give as much | scope as possible to Indian craftsmanship. As patterns and for guidance the best that we can produce in this country has been at their disposal Carpets and furniture are of Indian manufacture. Models were taken from England for native craftsmen to copy, and to incorporate as far as possible Indian traditions into the designs. “There has been no extravagance. This fine building has ben erected approximately 40 per cent, cheaper than any comparable building at Home. “The King-Emperor and the Queen have taken a most sympathetic interest in the work, and in the internal appointments the Queen has contributed a number of helpful suggestions. “There have been a number,of interesting gifts also to the bouse. For instance, the Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths has presented the King with a set of silver gilt plate for use ! on State occasions.