Thatch Roofs and Ironwood Posts: The Art & Artistry of the Caymanian Home is the latest exhibition to open at the National Gallery. Inspired by domestic building traditions and the evolution of the quintessential Caymanian homestead, the exhibition explores this subject through artworks drawn primarily from the National Collection, considering how artists have responded to, and drawn inspiration from, this architectural legacy over time.

Grounded in detailed architectural studies and drawings by acclaimed local architect John Doak, Thatch Roofs and Ironwood Posts features a wide assortment of watercolours depicting traditional homes that date from the 1980s and 90s, as well as iconic images by pioneering figures such as Charles Long and Bendel Hydes. Spanning from literal depictions to more abstract interpretations of architectural subject matter, the exhibition concludes with a selection of works by contemporary artists that bring the story of Caymanian architecture into the present, addressing the ongoing loss of historic buildings and the perceived erosion of cultural heritage.

Allowing further opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of Cayman’s architectural traditions, the National Gallery has created a ‘Learning Lab’ within its Lower Exhibition Hall. Inviting gallery goers to engage with local and international resources, this space provides access to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ digital Historic Properties Register, locally produced videos on recent conservation efforts, technical architectural renderings by John Doak, and archival images from the collection of the UK National Archives’ Central Office of Information.

The Gallery is hosting a lively schedule of events and related educational programming throughout the duration of the exhibition. These include outdoor community painting sessions taking place from April to July at historic homes across Grand Cayman; late night opening hours at the Gallery from 5-8pm on 25 April and 30 May; an open mic poetry night on Thursday 9 May at 6:30-8:30pm, as well as a Family Fun Day with live children’s story book reading, which is scheduled for Saturday 18 May, 10am-1pm.  Additionally, NGCI will host panel discussions exploring the work of community members and heritage organisations working in the fields of architectural restoration and historic preservation, which will take place on Thursday 16 May and Thursday 20 June, from 6:00-7:30pm respectively.

Speaking to the timeliness of the exhibition’s theme, National Gallery Director and Chief Curator Natalie Urquhart describes the project as “a celebration of the story of Caymanian architecture” which “provides a critical reminder of the need to protect these historic structures and preserve our material history for future generations.” 

Thatch Roofs and Ironwood Posts is now open and runs until 12 July. Admission to the Gallery and the exhibition is free. Opening times are Monday to Saturday 10:00am – 5:00pm. For more information about the exhibition and the related programme of free events, lectures, workshops and tours please email Maia Muttoo, Education Manager, at [email protected] or visit https://www.nationalgallery.org.ky/whats-on/ .