TN Natesan
Established in 1930 by artist par-excellence T.N Natesan, Natesan’s was conceptualised as an Art house inspired by his experience as a lace, embroidery and textile designer for manufacturers and missionaries in pre-independent India.
Founder, Mr TN Natesan
Natesan’s Ivory Works
A few years later, the entrepreneurial maverick went on to expand the purview of his expertise and founded Natesan’s Ivory Works – a licensed atelier for sculpture and artefacts.
The showcase of Natesan’s Ivory Works at Mascot Hotel, Trivandrumar
Early Bangalore Days
However, with the mounting overheads of his creative endeavours and the pecuniary onus of sustaining his growing family, his elder sons Dinesan and Mahadevan were sent to Bangalore where they set up a showcase in the lobby of the iconic Spencer Hotel (now the Taj West End).
Dinesan Natesan(L) and Mahadevan Natesan (R) 1951
Mentor and Travels
Working long hours, the brothers took turns to meet and sell to the who’s who of Bangalore and its illustrious guests. The travel and exposure that the brothers experienced in India and abroad during these years equipped them with a thorough knowledge and understanding of Indian antiquity. As a boy of eighteen, Dinesan Natesan found a mentor and trusted friend in Svetoslav Roerich.
Dinesan Natesan in Mahabalipuram (L) Dinesan Natesan with his Mentor and friend Svetoslav Roerich (R)
The Flagship Store
From living out of a single bench in a room in Seshadripuram, they worked hard to establish their flagship store on 76, MG Road in 1971. Meanwhile, the brothers were joined by their younger siblings- Kalesan and Krishnagopal.
Opening Day at 76, MG Road
Mr Soli S Batliwala presiding at the opening ceremony. The chief guest, HRH Marthanda Varma of Travancore looks on.
Clientele
In the years to come, the shop floor at natesan’s was graced by many eminent patrons.
HRH Karan Singh of Kashmir and Yasho Rajya Lakshmi with Mrs and Mr Dinesan Natesan.
Mr Hans Filbinger, Minister President of Baden-Württemberg with Mrs and Mr Dinesan Natesan
Eminent Scholar and friend Col RK Tandon and his wife Urmila with Mrs Usha Dinesan Natesan
Expansion
They eventually went on to open their standalone store at the West End hotel. Natesan’s transitioned from a partnership to a registered Private Limited Company on 10 February 1978.
The family with Mr Svetoslav Roerich and Devika Rani
Mr Svetoslav Roerich inaugurating the store.
Dinesan, Mahadevan, Kalesan and Krishna Gopal Natesan
Taksh – To create
As the Managing Director, Dinesan Natesan strongly believed in patronising traditional artisans and set up an atelier for wood , stone and metal workers producing fine artefacts in a truly traditional style.
Mr Dinesan Natesan with his fine creation.
Present Leadership
Shankaranand Dinesan Natesan, the present Managing Director, joined the company in 1990. Today, with over twenty five years in the antique trade, his incomparable knowledge and integrity is vouched for world over. He continues to operate from our flagship store on 76, MG Road, Bangalore.
Hamsa is the Natesan’s Segal- hand drawn by the founder Mr TN Natesan