This photograph of Writers’ Building in Calcutta was captured by photographer Theodore Julius Hoffmann in late the 19th century - and surely not after 1892, when horse-driven tram car service was discontinued.
Writers’ Building was designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 for the British East India Company. In 1821, a 128 feet-long veranda with columns (each 32 feet high) were added on the first and second floors. From 1889 to 1906, two new blocks were added, approached by iron staircases that are still in use. The building acquired its Greco-Roman look, complete with the portico in the central bay and the red surface of exposed brick. The parapet was put in place and the statues were sculpted by William Fredric Woodington in 1883.
It is now the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India.
Writers’ Building was designed by Thomas Lyon in 1777 for the British East India Company. In 1821, a 128 feet-long veranda with columns (each 32 feet high) were added on the first and second floors. From 1889 to 1906, two new blocks were added, approached by iron staircases that are still in use. The building acquired its Greco-Roman look, complete with the portico in the central bay and the red surface of exposed brick. The parapet was put in place and the statues were sculpted by William Fredric Woodington in 1883.
It is now the secretariat building of the State Government of West Bengal in India.