T
here are few artists in Jamaica’s history who can
claim master painter status. The late Cecil Cooper,
CD was one of these. Grand dame Edna Manley,
OM another. Former Director of the National Gallery
of Jamaica Director/Chief Curator the late Dr The
Honourable David Boxer O.J. was himself, yet if asked
the question whom of his peers he would give that title
it’s pretty safe to assume that the first name from his lips
would be Barrington Watson.
As a fine artist, Barrington Watson achieved during his
lifetime accomplishments of which any outlier in sport,
music, from Jamaica or any international context would
be proud. Watson gained first name recognition among
most of Jamaican society, as evident in his hallmark
signature and the vernacular of both cultural insiders
as well as everyday middle class art lovers, and his
eponymous Gallery Barrington first established in 1974.
His work gained cult status as owning a ‘Barrington’
quickly became a mark of social and intellectual status
amongst collectors on the island and throughout the
wider diaspora. He achieved commercial success that
he was able to enjoy and share with his family during
his lifetime, something that even the most prolific
artists worldwide struggle to achieve today.
Perhaps most importantly, Barrington is recognised as
a hallmark founding member of an elite clout of artists
and cultural leaders who helped shape and document
the nation’s post independence visual arts landscape.