From Market to Masterpieces: The Evolution of Tollinton Block

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 Lahore has a rich heritage of colonial and postcolonial architecture; Tollinton is among those buildings that reflect layers of the city’s past markets, colonial-era architecture, and civic spaces that later became cultural assets. In 1864, the British Raj commissioned a grand exhibition building for the Punjab Exhibition of Arts and Industry. Designed in the Gothic Revival style, it was first meant as a temporary structure built of wood and iron. But its charm and centrality made it permanent. Tollinton Block is a historic building in Lahore, originally part of the old Tollinton Market. For years, the structure was underutilised and suffered from neglect. Its architectural and structural integrity had been weakened by lack of maintenance.During its early years, Tollinton Market was not just a marketplace. It was a showcase of Punjab’s craftsmanship, agriculture, and industry. A place where the empire displayed its reach, and local artisans found recognition



In the early 2000s, the government and heritage lovers recognized its value. Tollinton Market underwent conservation, restoring much of its Gothic character. Today, it serves as an art gallery and cultural hub a living reminder of Lahore’s layered past.In October 2019, NCA (National College of Arts) reacquired the building, bringing it “again” under its control.Shortly after the acquisition, in December 2019, an Industrial Exhibition was held in Tollinton Block, inaugurated by the then Minister of Federal Education & Professional Training / controlling authority at NCA.Following this, efforts to restore, rehabilitate and repurpose the building have been underway. The restoration has included not only structural repair, but adaptation of the space for cultural, academic and public uses.



Tollinton now functions as an extended block for NCA, hosting degree shows, cultural festivals, musical evenings, qawwali nights, design exhibitions, and other academic/cultural events. Capacity and amenities.An auditorium with ~150 seats, extendable to accommodate ~30 more persons. Workshops are active, especially in traditional crafts. Students are being trained in weaving (handloom and off‐loom), block printing, hand embroidery, etc. Native master artisans are involved in the craft training. A “textile craft weaving souvenir shop” is present, showcasing craft works and supporting artisanship. Cultural significance: Tollinton is more than just a building space — it represents heritage, tradition, and a connection between Lahore’s past (market, colonial urbanism) and its present identity as a cultural centre.Educational/craft revival: The Block is playing a role in reviving “dying” traditional crafts by giving students access to training and exposure.




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