When you walk into St Patrick town’s bungalow number 6, you are greeted by a tall pleasant man with a warm smile. Meet Dominic Corda, an art collector, who has some of the rarest paintings from across the world in his collection. He is no artist but his love for the art is unquestionable.
A favourite among rare art collectors, Dominic has earned a name for his eye and precision in his selection of paintings. His home is open to all. You can walk in and take a look at all his collection and also get interesting anecdotes on the art from the collector himself. Though it started as a hobby, he soon became engrossed in his collection and as a result, the gallery was formed.
“You name the artist and I will provide the art piece by that artist. I’m not an artist, I’m just an art lover. I have always been picking up crazy stuff and this collection is the result of one such hobby of mine,” said Corda. 140-year-old rare photographs by Sorabji Jehanjir, the chief magistrate of Baroda, is one of his all time favourites and has great historical value among art lovers.
People thought that he was just wasting his time and money when he started collecting art and initially did not get the desired support. “People thought I was crazy when they got to know what I was doing but I just want people to enjoy art. The collection that I have is rare and it is difficult to find such an assemblage under one roof,” Corda added.
{{/usCountry}}People thought that he was just wasting his time and money when he started collecting art and initially did not get the desired support. “People thought I was crazy when they got to know what I was doing but I just want people to enjoy art. The collection that I have is rare and it is difficult to find such an assemblage under one roof,” Corda added.
{{/usCountry}}He not only collects art, but is also well informed about his collection. Name an artist and he will bring out the exact piece you describe. He also has a huge collection of movie posters which is a rare sight today. His first exhibition was sponsored by Anand Jog, who believed that Dominic’s collection was as valuable as ‘Ali Baba’s treasure’.
“I believe that all you need to organise an exhibition is the place and security. For me, it is very important to assure the client that art is not costly,” he said.
Right from Durandhar to wildlife, Bollywood to seascapes and landscapes, he has it all. “I just want to promote art,” said Corda.
Corda’s art collection
What: An art collection dating back to 1877
Where: Dominic Corda at bungalow number 6, Buena Vista, St Patrick’s Town, Pune-13
Contact: 020-26870774.