Art, Design and Heroes

Jamaica's National Heroes

William Tell, the mythical Swiss hero who opposed domination and tyranny, has for centuries been admired and kept alive through stories artistically interpreted. Sculptor Richard Kissling’s 1885 larger than life, bronze statue of this 13th century hero is one of Uri’s main attractions today.

Similarly, Jamaica’s national heroes are kept alive in the consciousness of its people, in large part by the work of artists.   The National Heroes Park in Kingston is dedicated to preserving the memory of national heroes, outstanding political leaders and fallen soldiers of World Wars l and ll. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Heroes_Park

Like Tell, not all Jamaican national heroes’ physical attributes were recorded, so there is much room for artistic interpretation.   However, this is not the case with more recent heroes, for the Jamaican public demands `look alike’ artworks.

Jamaica’s national heroes are:

• Nanny of the Maroons, a brilliant strategist in guerrilla warfare again the British authorities during the slavery era. The momument dedicated to Nanny produces the sound of the `abeng,’ a wind instrument used by Maroon fighters.  Compass Workshop Limited designed and produced the monument. https://jis.gov.jm/information/heroes/nanny-of-the-maroons/
• Samuel Sharpe was a Baptist preacher and son of slaves. He was instrumental in leading the largest slave uprising in 1831.  Sharpe’s monument is shaped like a Greek cross to honour his Baptist faith. It was designed and produced by Compass Workshop ltd. https://jis.gov.jm/information/heroes/samuel-sharpe/
• Paul Bogle and George William Gordon fought for the same cause of justice for the poor and were executed in 1865.  The monument dedicated to these heroes was a collaborative effort by the architectural designer H.D. Repole and artists. https://jis.gov.jm/information/heroes/paul-bogle/   https  https://jis.gov.jm/information/heroes/george-william-gordon/
• Marcus Garvey is known for leading a widely influential Black unification campaign in the West during the early to mid-1900s.  The monument dedicated to Garvey was designed by G.C. Hodges and the bust was the work of sculptor Alvin Marriot. https://jis.gov.jm/information/heroes/marcus-mosiah-garvey/
• Alexander Bustamante was a charismatic figure who led the workers cause and started the first industrial trade union in 1938.  He also led Jamaica out of British colonial rule into independence.  Bustamante’s monument was designed by Errol Alberga.  https://jis.gov.jm/profiles/the-right-excellent-sir-william-alexander-bustamante-g-b-e-ll-d-hon/
• Norman Manley was both a political and trade union leader during the colonial era. Along with Bustamante he led the effort for a national constitution in 1944, which gave all Jamaicans full adult suffrage.  Manley’s monument was designed H. D. Repole, with two sculptures by Christopher Gonzales. https://jis.gov.jm/information/heroes/norman-washington-manley/

Also visit our art gallery:  https://www.experiencejamaique.com/product_gallery

Updated October 2020

October 2017