From Bombay to Hardelot

The exhibition entitled "From Bombay to Hardelot" was the first international collaboration of Tata Central Archives (TCA) in putting up an exhibition which showcased the life of R.D. Tata and his family, and their connection to this small sea side resort town of Hardelot in France.

It was on display at Hardelot from June 24, 2011, to coincide with the tourist season that begins in June, and was on display till the end of September. However, it was officially inaugurated only on July 29, 2011, which was J.R.D. Tata's birthday. The chief guest on the occasion was Gaitri Kumar, a career diplomat, who was representing the Indian ambassador. Also present were: the mayor of Hardelot, Jean-Pierre Pont, a doctor by profession and a member of the French National Assembly; Claude Sassoulas, Managing Director, Europe and Americas, Global Enterprise Solutions, Tata Communications, and Prof. Ian Magedera, French Section: School of Languages Cultures and Area Studies University of Liverpool.

Conceptualised by Prof Magedera in 2010, the project came to fruition with the help of Laurent d'Aubreby, President of the Hardelot Tourism Department and TCA, which provided much of the archival material. The team, led by Prof Magedera, that put together the exhibition included, among others, Guy Lignier, artist and photographer who runs an art gallery and has designed the exhibition, and Isis Verrier, a journalist who played an important role in translating the texts.

The exhibition traced the history of the Tata group's connection with the town and describes the role of the Tata patriarchs in building it. Funded by the Hardelot Mayor's office and the Tourist Board, with matching funding from the Tatas, the 20 all-weather exhibition panels were mounted facing the beach, where it all began.

Promotional posters on the Exhibition displayed in the town of Hardelot, France

Gaitri Kumar, a career diplomat, who was representing the Indian ambassador inaugurated the Exhibition, she along with other dignitaries going through the Exhibition

The Exhibition traced the history of the Tata group's connection with this town and describes the role of R.D. Tata in building it

Visitors reading the panels on display

These 20 all-weather panels we mounted facing the beach

This Exhibition was a tribute to the mark that the Tata Family left on this sea side resort