Kolkata, Feb 1: Shanu Lahiri, a well known painter of Bengal School, died after a brief illness at a private hospital here today, family sources said. She was 85.
Born in an artistically inclined family, Lahiri studied at the Government School of Art and Crafts, Calcutta where she received the President's Gold Medal. She was the first student of the institution to receive a President's Gold Medal.
In 1950 she held her first solo exhibition and by the early 60's she had won a scholarship to Paris, after which a string of exhibitions followed—at home and overseas.
Also known for her keen sense of social responsibility, Lahiri had mobilised street-children into painting on the walls of Kolkata to beautify the city.
She is survived by daughter Damayanti and son Arnab.
She had donated her eyes, the sources said She was cremated at the Keoratala Crematorium today.
