Lucknow: Lucknow University‘s arts college is undergoing extensive renovation to transform its century-old building into a modern educational facility.The higher education department has sanctioned Rs 5.12 crore for the renovation of the 114-year-old Arts College, which is also known as LU’s faculty of fine arts.The facelift exercise, under which upgradation of classrooms with smart technology and modernising laboratories will also be carried out, is being undertaken almost after 20 years, said an official.The heritage structure’s original architectural elements will be preserved whilst improving basic amenities.New furniture, better lighting, and improved ventilation systems will enhance the learning environment. The restoration work focuses on strengthening the building’s foundation and repairing weathered section“We have begun the phase one renovation of the college, in which we are repairing and renovating the Prof Ranveer Singh Bisht Hostel, named after the renowned artist and former principal of the College of Art and Craft,” said principal Ratan Kumar.The boys’ hostel has a capacity of around 50 students.“The department of fine arts has existed since the inception of the institute in 1911. Some of the best-known educationists in the history of our country, like Dinkar Kaushik and Sudhir Ranjan Khastgir, have contributed to the department. This modernisation of the fine arts department will attract talented artist-cum-students from across the country,” he added.Throwing light on the legacy of the arts college, Kumar said that Lucknow Wash School, which pioneered the wash painting in Indian style is famous worldwide.One of the most significant names to emerge from here is Frank Weslee, who depicted purely Western themes in a unique Indian style and was known worldwide.BN Arya introduced the contemporary style of wash painting. “All this was possible as once we had great infrastructure, mentors, and students, and again we are working on all three,” he added.