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Publicasso 2025 26(Art and Media)printed 12 · PDF 14
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The Renaissance of Lahore’s 17th-
Century Picture Wall
12
“In Pakistan, conservation projects usually overlook the
vital role of science in heritage preservation,” states Zeina
Naseer,
an
AKCS-P
Conservation
Scientist.
“The
conservation of the picture wall, however, has heavily
relied on utilizing innovations and technologies in
conservation
science.
Good
conservation
practice
demands a harmonious union of science and artistry. It
compels us to recognize that the master artisans of the
past, like those who created the picture wall, were not
only artists, but also scientists, engineers, and architects.
Today, the duty of the conservator is not just to preserve
their legacy but also to revive that lost wisdom.”
A conservation project was launched on February 15 in
Androon Lahore (Walled City), a historic 2.6 sq. km area
with 12 gates, religious sites, and bustling streets. The
project is a joint effort by the Walled City of Lahore
Authority (WCLA) and the Aga Khan Cultural Service-
Pakistan (AKCS-P), aiming to restore seven key sites in
the Lahore Fort, including the Picture Wall, Sheesh
Mahal, and Zanana Mosque.
The Picture Wall, the exterior wall of the Lahore Fort,
begun by Jahangir in 1624–25 and completed by Shah
Jahan in 1631–32, is a standout feature. It is 240 feet long,
50 feet high, and made up of 635 recessed, decorated
panels over three levels. It is partially responsible for
the Lahore Fort’s UNESCO listing as a historic site in 1981.
Its restoration, started in 2018, is expected to fully finish
this year.
Current conservation work employs a series of artisans
specialised in traditional construction methods and
introduces modern conservation practice to Pakistani
conservators through training and capacity building by
international experts.
Working in tandem with artisans in the
city, Tausif Khawaja, the CEO of the Aga
Khan Cultural Services in the country,
mentioned that the picture wall project
couldn’t have been executed without the
inclusion of skilled craftspeople from local
communities.
“Employing
artisans
gives
them
an
opportunity to receive training which
enables
skill
transfer
to
future
generations. This helps to add to the
skillset of both skilled and semi-skilled
individuals, allowing them to become more
economically mobile.”
By: Aalyan Iqbal
With the help of skilled labour and detailed
scientific and historical knowledge the
picture wall is being fully restored in the
year of 2025-26, garnering more tourists
and showcasing the Pakistani culture’s
immense talent, present and past.
Sources:
Trip To Lahore Fort
Forbes.com - Lahore’s 400-Year-Ole ‘Picture Wall’ To Be Fully Restored This Year
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