Journey Through Time: +1 Day, +1 Story” is an extraordinary exhibition, a collaboration between Le Meridien New Delhi and the Archives of Tarun Thakral, showcasing a captivating collection of hand-drawn Indian commercial posters from the 1920s to the 1960s. This unique visual journey is a celebration of the leap year, taking place at the Atrium Lobby (Longitude) of Le Meridien from February 29th to March 15th, 2024.
The exhibition, curated by the Archives of Tarun Thakral, presents a rare assemblage of 28+1 original images, offering a magical experience that transcends time. Each poster becomes a storyteller, immersing onlookers in the charm of offset and lithographic techniques, unveiling the evolution of design aesthetics and the rich visual history of India.
Tarun Thakral, the curator, expresses his anticipation in presenting this immaculate collection to the world. He describes each piece as transcending its commercial purpose, providing a glimpse into social evolution, consumer trends, and artistic expressions. The exhibition serves as a time capsule, reflecting the dawn of independence through advertisements promoting indigenous products and showcasing a nation’s growing self-belief. Tarun Thakral invites viewers into the bustling marketplaces of the past, capturing the essence of Art Deco and Glamour through changing styles of hand-drawn illustrations.
Meena Bhatia, Vice President & General Manager of Le Meridien New Delhi, expresses joy and fascination in opening the doors to guests for this unique exhibition. She highlights the posters as beyond interesting, sparking contemplation about the levels of creativity in yesteryears.
Tarun Thakral, not just a curator but a prominent figure in the hospitality industry, boasts over 35 years of experience both in India and abroad. His passion for vintage and classic cars led him to establish the Heritage Transportation Trust in 1996, promoting the preservation of transportation modes used in India. As the Founder & Managing Trustee, Tarun developed India’s first comprehensive Transport Museum – the Heritage Transport Museum – which opened in December 2013 near Gurgaon. This museum, spanning 3.01 acres, features 95,000 sq feet of exhibition galleries, a library, a mini auditorium, a souvenir shop, seminar rooms, and a refreshment area.
The Heritage Transport Museum sets a standard for Indian museums with dramatic displays, in-depth interpretation, an extensive collection, and opportunities for visitor participation. With over 3,500 curated objects on display, it weaves a colorful tale of India’s transportation history and has inspired more than 2 million visitors. The museum has received numerous national and international awards, including the prestigious National Tourism Award for being the most innovative and unique tourism project in the country.
While Tarun’s transport-related collection is showcased at the Heritage Transport Museum, he also maintains an extensive collection of original popular visual arts, including old calendars, posters, oleographs, prints, and more. This collection, comprising over 5000 items, is currently in the process of being cataloged and preserved under the Tarun Thakral Archival Collection.
Today, Tarun actively divides his time between the hospitality industry, the museum, and the arts, embodying a commitment to preserving and showcasing India’s rich cultural heritage and artistic expressions.