U. Ray and Sons
| Company type | Privately owned enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Blockmaking, printing, publishing |
| Founded | 1895 |
| Founder | Upendrakishore Ray |
| Defunct | 1926 |
| Successor | Ayan Banerjee |
| Headquarters | Calcutta , India |
| Products | Halftone blocks, bromide enlargements, children's books, magazines (Sandesh) |
U. Ray and Sons was a privately owned enterprise specializing in blockmaking, printing, and publishing based in Calcutta, India. Founded in 1895 by Upendrakishore Ray, the company initially operated under the name U. Ray until 1900, when it incorporated and Sons following the involvement of his son, Sukumar Ray. The business gained recognition for its groundbreaking contributions to the international development of the halftone process. Although it ceased operations due to bankruptcy in 1926, the firm was reestablished under new management in 1929. Its legacy continues through its successor, Ayan Banerjee.
Blockmaking Business
The inception of U. Ray and Sons was motivated by the scarcity of cost-effective metal blocks for printing illustrations in Calcutta during the early 1890s, despite the presence of capable printing presses. Upendrakishore, a multifaceted innovator engaged in children’s literature, music, painting, and printing technology, encountered significant difficulties producing high-quality illustrations for his Children’s Ramayan because local graphic arts and photoprocess expertise were limited. Although companies such as Thacker and Spincks offered halftone blocks, their prices were prohibitively high. Fueled by his inventive approach, Upendrakishore procured equipment from A.W. Penrose & Co., London, and began mastering the technical processes involved.
The equipment, including a camera and halftone apparatus, was transported from Britain via bullock cart. Shortly thereafter, the company relocated from 13 Cornwallis Street to Shibnarain Dass Lane, where Upendrakishore established a combined living and working space complete with a studio.
In 1895, the firm promoted services such as bromide enlargements and halftone printmaking. By 1896, advertisements in the prominent daily Amrita Bazar Patrika highlighted offerings like "half-tone block bromide enlargements of superior quality" at affordable prices—"half-tone block from photograph etc. at Rupee One." A detailed advertisement from 1897 stated:
HALF-TONE BLOCKS :
U. Ray introduces an innovative half-tone engraving technique delivering results rarely seen globally. Available half-tone blocks feature grain fineness levels of 75, 85, 120, 133, 170, 240, and 266 lines per inch with a wide variety of patterns. Pricing for standard grains up to 133 lines includes: - Zinc blocks at Re 1 per square inch. - Copper blocks at Re 1-8 per square inch. For inquiries regarding artistic work: U. Ray, B.A., Artist. 38-1 Shibnarain Dass Lane, Calcutta.
Technical Innovation
Upendrakishore's investigations into block-making technology led him to explore the theoretical foundations underlying the process camera, formalizing methods that had previously been based on trial and error within process work. His experimental efforts commenced promptly and bolstered the firm's reputation through his technical contributions. Starting in 1897, he authored multiple articles in the esteemed British printing publication Penrose Annual, including 'Focussing the Screen' (1897), 'The Theory of the Half-Tone Dot' (1898), and 'Automatic Adjustment of the Half-Tone Screen' (1901). His advancements encompassed diaphragm systems, the creation of the sixty-degree screen, techniques for colour reproduction, and research into diffraction, all of which significantly enhanced photographic illustration reproduction.
He secured a patent for an 'automatic screen adjustment indicator,' marketed as an accessory compatible with the Penrose process camera. Though health issues curtailed his productivity later on, his innovations predated important British patents; however, he encountered difficulties validating his theories domestically and suffered instances of intellectual property theft internationally.
By 1910, U. Ray and Sons was producing original black-and-white and colour designs for various applications including tables, books, magazines, catalogues, show cards, and letterheads.
Sukumar Ray's Overseas Studies
The expansion of the company aligned with Upendrakishore’s son, Sukumar Ray, being awarded the Guruprasanna Ghosh Scholarship in 1911, which enabled him to study at the London County Council School specializing in Photoengraving and Lithography. As his father’s health declined, Sukumar was prepared to assume leadership of the press. His proficiency in printing processes, including half-tones and multiple stops, developed during his time at LCC and further honed at the University of Manchester—where he secured first prize in the City and Guilds of London Institute Examination—became a significant asset. Letters exchanged between father and son revealed plans to develop and patent a colour camera. Upon his return to Calcutta, the company emphasized its "distinctive achievements derived from two decades of experience and research combined with two years of close study of European techniques."
During this period, Ramananda Chatterjee's Prabasi became the pioneering Bengali publication to showcase a photographic cover image; this block was produced by U. Ray and Sons, with Sukumar Ray responsible for the photography.
Tuntunir Boi (The Tailor Bird's Book)
U. Ray and Sons initiated their publishing venture in 1910 by releasing Tuntunir Boi, a beloved Bengali work authored by founder Upendrakishore Ray. Although initially functioning as a half-tone process company without owning a press until 1913, they issued this compilation of 27 children’s folk tales. The book was published under Sukumar Ray’s name and printed by Haricharan Manna at Kantik Press, retailing at 8 annas. Featuring line illustrations drawn by Upendrakishore himself, it drew inspiration from Bengal’s oral nursery traditions, portraying indigenous characters such as the tailor-bird, tiger, sparrow, fox, and cat.
Abol Tabol
Abol Tabol, a collection of poems penned by Sukumar Ray, was initially serialized in Sandesh magazine before being published as a standalone volume on 10 September 1923, shortly after the author’s passing. The book was notable for its distinctive top-bound format resembling a letter-writing pad.
Illustrations
Selected artwork from Abol Tabol exemplifies the unique visual style characteristic of this publication.
Additional Works
U. Ray and Sons also issued storybooks authored by Kuladaranjan (Satyajit Ray’s uncle), who translated the Iliad and Odyssey into Bengali alongside numerous Indian myths and folk narratives. The company strategically expanded its literary portfolio by obtaining rights from Arthur Conan Doyle’s widow to translate his works into Bengali free of charge. Early promotional materials emphasized these titles.
Sandesh Magazine
Sandesh, launched in 1913 as a monthly periodical under Upendrakishore’s direction with Sukumar Ray serving as editor, continued publication under family stewardship after Sukumar’s demise—primarily managed by his brother Subinay—until the firm ceased operations. The magazine experienced revival through Satyajit Ray in 1961.
Company Relocation
In 1913, the enterprise moved to 100 Garpar Road where a new residence combined with workshop and office spaces was constructed based on Upendrakishore's architectural plans. This transition was financed by selling most of his share in the zamindari estate at Mymensingh to his foster brother Narendrakisore. This relocation marked the company’s evolution from merely printers to full-fledged publishers, exemplified by the inaugural printing of Sandesh there.
Satyajit Ray later described the facility’s arrangement: printing presses occupied the ground floor; block production and typesetting were conducted on the first floor; while family living quarters extended along the back across all three levels. The press housed sophisticated machinery including an imported process camera integral to block-making. Ramdohin, trained by Upendrakishore himself, operated this camera and was regarded as part of the family. Satyajit often visited, captivated by both the printing operations and products such as Sandesh, notable for its distinctive tri-colour cover design.
Print Samples
U. Ray and Sons earned a reputation in Calcutta for crafting some of the most exquisite colour plates, demonstrating advanced skills in photographic printing techniques. Among their distinguished works are the colour plates featured in Ramananda Chatterjee's Picture Albums, including titles such as The Mendicant, Ahalya, and Gandhari.
Liquidation
Following Sukumar Ray's passing, leadership of the company was assumed by his brother Subinay Ray. The business ultimately failed in 1926, a consequence of Subinay's ineffective management coupled with disloyalty from employees trained under Upendrakisore. Despite their talent for merging high quality with market appeal, neither Upendrakisore nor his heirs prioritized strategic business management. Notably, Satyajit Ray exhibited minimal enthusiasm for commercial enterprise as an objective. The firm was officially dissolved in January 1927, with the family residence being handed over to creditors.
References
- Ghosh, Siddhartha. "Abol Tabol: The Making of a Book." Print Areas: Book History in India. Ed. Abhijit Gupta & Swapan Chakravarty. Delhi: Permanent Black, 2004.
- Ray, Satyajit. Jokhon Chhoto Chhilam. Calcutta: Ananda Publishers, 1984.
- Ray, Satyajit. Sukumar Ray. Screenplay & Direction. Satyajit Ray. Producer: Govt. of West Bengal, 1987.
- Ray, Sukumar. Abol Tabol. Calcutta: Signet Press, 1988.
- Ray, Sukumar. Ha-ja-ba-ra-la. Calcutta.
- Ray, Upendrakishore. Tuntunir Boi. Calcutta : Kantik Press, 1910.
- Robinson, Andrew. The Inner Eye. New York: I.B. Tauris and Co. Ltd., 2004.
External links
- Sukumar Ray: 1987 Documentary by Satyajit Ray.
- Satyajit Ray : Part One of Documentary by Goutam Ghose.
- Satyajit Ray : Part Two of Documentary by Goutam Ghose.
- Sukumar Ray Shishu Sahitya Samagra Online
- Recent Sandesh News
- U. Ray Print Samples
- Official Website of Children's Books from Bengal: A Documentation (Part I, till 1910)
- Documentary Footage Satyajit Ray on U. Ray and Sons
- Satyajit Ray on Upendrakishore Ray and Sukumar Ray
- Sandesh Building Demolished