THE EDITOR, Madam:
I WAS visiting friends in Jamaica recently. Bit by bit, each day I read through a large book on their coffee table: Edna Manley, Sculptor, by David Boxer from the National Gallery. It is an inspiring and beautifully produced book. It tells the moving story of a great artist's long life and work but also the part she and her husband, Norman Manley, played in the rebirth of a nation's consciousness, art and culture as the deadening effect of colonialism was thrown off.
I decided I had to go to the Jamaica National Gallery to see her work and the work of other Jamaican artists who have played such an important part in Jamaica's renaissance. We took a taxi ride through some rather dodgy parts of Kingston to get there from where we had parked up town! When we got there, it was a wonderful experience. I came away with several prints one of which, The Banana Plantation, by John Dunkley is now in my study.
I was shocked to find hardly anyone else in the gallery. I almost had the place to myself. It should be full of people. Why is it not crowded with tourists, and locals for that matter, as it would be in most other cities of the size of Kingston? I checked tourist literature and could not find it referred to. Shouldn't there be a big push to tell tourists about this magnificent collection which tells so much about Jamaica's rich culture and history?
That is part of why people come to countries like Jamaica, to experience the unique culture. Also there are excellent books for sale, like the one I read and fine reproductions and cards, the sort of things people on holiday love to buy. This gallery should not be a well kept secret any more!
I am etc.,
BRUCE NIXON
E-mail: brucenixon@cwcom.net
