I am over halfway through an extended visit to Jamaica and I became particularly interested in the Georgian Society as I'm an architectural journalist in my homeland of Ireland with a degree in the History of Art and Architecture. Conservation lies very close to my heart.
Having been thrown into the vibrant, colourful and slightly mad world of Jamaica a little over a month ago, there are countless subjects and issues which I have been swept up by. The architecture here reflects clear influences of African, Spanish, and British descent, but it is the structures built here during the Georgian period which have really tugged on the heartstrings. This architecture is so often beautiful, intricate and sorrowful when witnessed in anything less than a fair state.
The Georgian buildings are romantic and elegant with their formal pillars, balustraded porticoes, sash windows, square, symmetrical shape and usually exquisite fretwork. With the small size of Jamaica, it’s hard to imagine there would be as many wonderfully interesting structures as there are, yet I have been enchanted by buildings in Montego Bay, Ochi and of course Falmouth, nevermind all of those I have only seen in photos.
It's said that the life of a place exists beyond its inhabitants because of its architecture. The buildings that stand hold an incredible amount of history. They have stood through celebrations, wars and revolutions that the country faced in its time. They are the mute testament to that country's soul. I believe that architecture can represent its people better and more aptly than any other facet, because buildings can be almost immortal. It is therefore imperative that these beautiful buildings be conserved and maintained as much as is humanly possible.
Most people say they know what architectural conservation is, and nearly as many say they believe it is vitally important, yet so few really get involved. Jamaica has such a dynamic and varied history, so many stories to tell but many people don't seem to recognise the significance of preserving the fabric of that history. What is a place at all without its history, it's culture, its heritage?
What we need to see is people getting angry enough to make things happen, to make the planning authority wake up and galvanize others into thinking about this issue and taking action too. Architecture is another language of a country, and the glorious patois is alive and kicking in Jamaica while Georgian buildings stutter and disappear.
What can you do to make sure Jamaica's lifeblood is kept flowing?
Best Regards,
Rachel Cooke
Having been thrown into the vibrant, colourful and slightly mad world of Jamaica a little over a month ago, there are countless subjects and issues which I have been swept up by. The architecture here reflects clear influences of African, Spanish, and British descent, but it is the structures built here during the Georgian period which have really tugged on the heartstrings. This architecture is so often beautiful, intricate and sorrowful when witnessed in anything less than a fair state.
The Georgian buildings are romantic and elegant with their formal pillars, balustraded porticoes, sash windows, square, symmetrical shape and usually exquisite fretwork. With the small size of Jamaica, it’s hard to imagine there would be as many wonderfully interesting structures as there are, yet I have been enchanted by buildings in Montego Bay, Ochi and of course Falmouth, nevermind all of those I have only seen in photos.
It's said that the life of a place exists beyond its inhabitants because of its architecture. The buildings that stand hold an incredible amount of history. They have stood through celebrations, wars and revolutions that the country faced in its time. They are the mute testament to that country's soul. I believe that architecture can represent its people better and more aptly than any other facet, because buildings can be almost immortal. It is therefore imperative that these beautiful buildings be conserved and maintained as much as is humanly possible.
Most people say they know what architectural conservation is, and nearly as many say they believe it is vitally important, yet so few really get involved. Jamaica has such a dynamic and varied history, so many stories to tell but many people don't seem to recognise the significance of preserving the fabric of that history. What is a place at all without its history, it's culture, its heritage?
What we need to see is people getting angry enough to make things happen, to make the planning authority wake up and galvanize others into thinking about this issue and taking action too. Architecture is another language of a country, and the glorious patois is alive and kicking in Jamaica while Georgian buildings stutter and disappear.
What can you do to make sure Jamaica's lifeblood is kept flowing?
Best Regards,
Rachel Cooke
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