Printing culture of Bengal is of pride to many. The colonial powers started printing press here for multiple reasons, but it has come a long way and has developed its own identity. Thousands of pages of great academic and general interest have been written about it. The living practices of printing technology, relevant equipment of historical value, important aspects of design, commodities, and trade are facing extinction in the age of digital printing and publishing. There is ample lament and discourse around the subject but very little action.
Mudran Foundation is established to collect and preserve printing culture, heritage, practices and technology with special focus on Bengal. The primary aim of the foundation is to raise public awareness about printing related arts, and various aspects of printing and publishing. The foundation engages in study and exercise of printing and design culture in academia, create a rich collection, provide consultancy, publish books and journals, organising workshops and study programmes.
We are a not for profit public charitable trust registered in India. We want to contribute to the larger dialogues in printing, publishing and design, while translating widespread concerns into meaningful action.
Members of the foundation are a group of individuals who care deeply about the heritage and culture of printing, with expertise in the field. We have always felt the need for a concerted and professional approach to the subject which is lacking in the field at the moment. We come from various walks of life but one common thread that binds us is the love for printed material, the process and the people involved. We are committing our expertise of the field to bridge this gaping hole in our heritage. We do not wish to make any financial profit out of this initiative; rather we welcome those who wish to contribute their time, energy and money to this cause, just like us.
Beyond the actively engaged trustees, a wide range of experts of national and international repute are part of our advisory panel, whom we consult on relevant projects. The panel includes literary practitioners, art historians, cultural theorists, printers, publishers, visual artists, administrators, legal and financial experts.