Michael Campbell’s wish fulfilled with collection set to inspire at The UWI
Published:Monday | January 15, 2024 | 12:09 AMAinsworth Morris/Staff Reporter
Before the late philanthropist and business titan Michael Campbell’s death last year, he had made one wish known to his dear friend, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. That was to make The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona the repository of his 261-piece Jamaican art collection.
In an effort to have his wish granted, Patterson arranged a meeting in November 2021 among himself, Campbell and Professor Dale Webber, then principal, UWI, Mona, following the initiation of the idea in 2020, but, unfortunately, the businessman and tourism stalwart died before The UWI was to celebrate its 75th anniversary this year – the time he envisioned the collection being handed over.
Now, after his death last September, Patterson has ensured his friend’s wish was granted, with The UWI Mona administrators graciously accepting the treasured US$2.3 collection last Thursday evening.
Patterson, statesman in residence, said the formal handover afforded him the opportunity to pay tribute to one of the most dedicated patrons of arts across the nation who quietly, but assiduously amassed among what may be the most impressive and varied private collection of art in Jamaica.
“He was determined that an event should occur during the celebration of our [The UWI Mona’s] 75th anniversary. Unfortunately, that was not to be,” Patterson said.
“While he is regrettably [gone], I know his spirit is present,” he said.
The collection, comprising works by 67 Jamaican artists, spans several decades, capturing the essence of Jamaica’s cultural and social evolution.
Patterson pointed out that the oldest painting in the collection was an oil painting of road workers that was created by Albert Huie in 1944.
The pieces reflect 40 years of vibrant artwork with the oldest piece created four years before The UWI Mona began operations.
He said the collection also mirrors the steady coming together of Caribbean islands and people of increasing disciplines and professions and Jamaica’s last four decades of coming of age.
“Michael Campbell’s collection is not just an assemblage of art; it is a narrative of our nation’s soul, chronicling our trials, triumphs, and aspirations,” Patterson remarked.
The collection is now open to students, staff and well-wishers at The UWI Mona.
Creative economy
Patterson emphasised the collection’s potential to ignite a renaissance in the creative economy, underscoring the importance of the arts in the nation’s future development.
In recent years, Jamaica’s economy has witnessed a transformative shift, with the cultural and creative industries emerging as pivotal drivers of economic growth and innovation. He pointed out that the creative economy accounts for 6.1 per cent of global GDP.
In Jamaica, the sector generated US$2.2 billion during 2022 and three per cent of direct and indirect employment. It earned more than the services in finance, business, insurance and construction combined.
This sector, which encompasses a broad spectrum of artistic and cultural activities, has begun to outshine traditional economic mainstays such as other extractive industries. Patterson underscored this paradigm shift in his remarks, highlighting the collection’s role in catalysing this transition.
For his part, Webber recalled the November 2021 meeting with Patterson and Campbell, where the former prime minister “called him over to his residence with the hope of reshaping the university”.
In giving a brief overview, Webber described Campbell, the founder of Island Car Rental, as a collector-of-art-par-excellence with an eye and a mind for beauty and for value.
“I wish Michael Campbell was here, but, in a way, he is all around us. Michael died in September 2023. He was a philanthropist. He had a heart of gold. It was his desire to preserve Jamaica’s cultural heritage in many ways, and this was but one,” Webber said.
“I think his first wish would be to inspire others to donate,” he said.
He said The UWI Mona was the best place to host, value, keep, preserve, show, share and enjoy the pieces of art and asked for The UWI Mona to be the repository.