# Crumbling Colonial Architecture Photos 'Stories in Stone' Captures Colonial Architecture in India By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-05-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stories-in-stone References: [artsy.net](https://artsy.net/post/editorial-calcutta-through-the-lens-of-prabir-purkayastha) & [artsy.net](https://artsy.net/show/sundaram-tagore-gallery-stories-in-stone-photographs-of-colonial-calcutta-1) 'Stories in Stone' is a [photo series](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/still-life-1) that captures the crumbling colonial architecture that dots the eastern Indian city of Kolkata (formerly 'Calcutta'). The series is the work of photographer Prabir Purkayastha. From a distance, the buildings in Purkayastha's photos appear rather grand and imposing. Upon closer inspection -- through Purkayastha's sharp lens -- it becomes apparent that these once-grand buildings are beset by deterioration, with facades crumbling and overrun by overgrown roots and interiors gathering dust. The series aims to document the city's remaining colonial architecture, a reminder of its colonial past as well as the diversity and thriving sub-communities it was once known for. Stories in Stone is on display at the Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York for the duration of the month of May. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.8/10 - Popularity: 39% | Activity: 8% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Crumbling Colonial Architecture:** Opportunity for innovative restoration techniques and preservation methods for historical buildings. - **Photography as Documentation:** Potential to use photography as a tool to document and raise awareness about the decay of historical structures. - **Colonial Heritage Preservation:** Growing interest in preserving and celebrating colonial heritage, creating opportunities for cultural tourism and heritage-based businesses. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Architecture and Construction:** Opportunity for architectural firms to pioneer innovative restoration techniques for crumbling colonial buildings. - **Photography and Visual Arts:** Increasing demand for photographers and artists to capture and document decaying colonial architecture. - **Tourism and Cultural Heritage:** Rising interest in colonial heritage presents opportunities for tourism agencies, heritage hotels, and cultural preservation organizations. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Rustic Cultural Architectural Buildings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gallery-house.md) - [Temple-Inspired Striking Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/abin-design-studio.md) - [Stone Ruin-Upcycled Holiday Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atienza-maure-arquitectos.md) - [Textured Plaster Artisanal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gulzars-residence.md) - [Modern Ruin-Inspired Californian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/romick-house.md) - [Industrial Architecture-Themed Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/industrial-archaeology.md) - [Stone Ruin-Transformed Spanish Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casa-1627.md) - [Ice Factory-Transformed Galleries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ifbe.md) - [History Preserving Renovation Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/siyadi-pearl.md)