Welcome to my first blog post for the Georgian Society! I have been Chairman of the St. Ann/St. Mary Chapter for a number of years, and have been involved with the Georgian Society for much of its 40-year existence.
My obsession with Jamaica’s architectural heritage has led me to every part of Jamaica – from the ruins of lonely Great Houses, to small vernacular cottages.
In the early 80’s, with husband, Peter, the late journalist Jon Bradshaw, and Sally Henzell (of Jake’s fame), we would pull out my ordinance survey maps and decide where to go. When the maps failed, old gateposts and a row of Royal Palms often led us to hidden treasures, sometimes to the middle of a cane field or to that ubiquitous village, Peru (it exists in Trelawny).
Early discoveries were Fontabelle, with its delicate wrought iron railings, and Ramble, complete with its own ballroom, where an early attempt to grow tea was made.
Our other ‘bible’ was Wright & White’s book “Discovering Jamaica”. Sadly out of print, it’s well worth trying to track down a copy. Around this time, we also found a Victorian Manse, Harmony Hall, near Ocho Rios, and dedicated a grueling year to restoration.
The Harmony Hall Gallery celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, and is one of Jamaica’s premier art galleries. I also invited Anghelen Phillips to Jamaica to record some of these endangered buildings. The book “Jamaican House: A Vanishing Legacy” is still in print, with careful research by Geoffrey de Sola Pinto. Sadly, a glimpse through the book will reveal that many houses have indeed vanished.
Jamaicans, understandably, have a mixed view towards these old buildings that survived from slavery and colonial times. Neglect or demolition by Government, bauxite companies and private owners have virtually decimated much of our architectural heritage.
Our goal, through education and example, is to show that there is a valuable and viable future in preserving what we still have. Jewels such as Falmouth, Spanish Town and Port Royal are of world importance in historical terms too, and should be a major part of the Tourist Board’s agenda.
My obsession with Jamaica’s architectural heritage has led me to every part of Jamaica – from the ruins of lonely Great Houses, to small vernacular cottages.
In the early 80’s, with husband, Peter, the late journalist Jon Bradshaw, and Sally Henzell (of Jake’s fame), we would pull out my ordinance survey maps and decide where to go. When the maps failed, old gateposts and a row of Royal Palms often led us to hidden treasures, sometimes to the middle of a cane field or to that ubiquitous village, Peru (it exists in Trelawny).
Early discoveries were Fontabelle, with its delicate wrought iron railings, and Ramble, complete with its own ballroom, where an early attempt to grow tea was made.
Our other ‘bible’ was Wright & White’s book “Discovering Jamaica”. Sadly out of print, it’s well worth trying to track down a copy. Around this time, we also found a Victorian Manse, Harmony Hall, near Ocho Rios, and dedicated a grueling year to restoration.
The Harmony Hall Gallery celebrates its 30th Anniversary this year, and is one of Jamaica’s premier art galleries. I also invited Anghelen Phillips to Jamaica to record some of these endangered buildings. The book “Jamaican House: A Vanishing Legacy” is still in print, with careful research by Geoffrey de Sola Pinto. Sadly, a glimpse through the book will reveal that many houses have indeed vanished.
Jamaicans, understandably, have a mixed view towards these old buildings that survived from slavery and colonial times. Neglect or demolition by Government, bauxite companies and private owners have virtually decimated much of our architectural heritage.
Our goal, through education and example, is to show that there is a valuable and viable future in preserving what we still have. Jewels such as Falmouth, Spanish Town and Port Royal are of world importance in historical terms too, and should be a major part of the Tourist Board’s agenda.
Heritage Tourism is the backbone of many countries, with the Caribbean boasting a host of forts, palaces, sugar factories and sunken cities. Properly taught, our children could appreciate the craftsmanship and skill that went into each one and future generations would benefit from their preservation.
Much help is needed. Although the Georgian Society, Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Institute of Jamaica have records, they are incomplete. Each Parish could implement their own, under guidelines and guidance of a parent body. Cheap digital cameras and widespread access to the internet and computer make this an easier task than before.
Greetings,
Annabella Proudlock
If you are interested in learning more about joining the St. Mary/St. Ann Chapter of the Georgian Society, please contact me.
Much help is needed. Although the Georgian Society, Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Institute of Jamaica have records, they are incomplete. Each Parish could implement their own, under guidelines and guidance of a parent body. Cheap digital cameras and widespread access to the internet and computer make this an easier task than before.
Greetings,
Annabella Proudlock
If you are interested in learning more about joining the St. Mary/St. Ann Chapter of the Georgian Society, please contact me.
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