The Museum of History and Ethnography division of the Institute of Jamaica recently curated the sequel of its first furniture exhibition with the opening of 'Modern Interiors, Jamaican Style, 20th Century Furniture in Jamaica' at the Institute of Jamaica Exhibition Gallery.

Similar to 'Folk, Fancy, Fashionable, Fine: Furniture in Jamaica 1720-1900' which was mounted in April 2007, this exhibition examined the historical development of furniture making in Jamaica, paying particular attention to the furnishings of the 20th century.

Loose chronology

A standing lamp from the Dirk Koolmees collection, made of almond wood.

Modern Interiors followed a very loose chronology, moving from the late 19th century to the present. The themes covered by this second phase of the furniture exhibition included: 19th and early 20th century, folk/intuitive furniture, industrial furniture, classic revivals, Jamaican deco, art furniture and the present.

The exhibition featured pieces from the Institute of Jamaica and National Gallery of Jamaica collections. Many pieces were showcased from the David Boxer and Wallace Campbell collections, as well as other private collectors. Items on display included dressers, wardrobes, tables, bed headboards, chairs, lamps, and trinket boxes from Jamaica's 20th century era of furniture making.

The items in the picture, including the H.P. Headlam wardrobe of 1920 and the three-foot stool from the David Boxer collection, formed part of the exhibition.

'Folk, Fancy, Fashionable, Fine: Furniture in Jamaica 1720-1900' explored the growth and development of the cabinet-making industry up to the late 1900s. 'Modern Interiors, Jamaican Style, 20th Century Furniture in Jamaica' continued the exploration of the cabinet-making industry in Jamaica from the 20th century to the present.

The exhibition was mounted at the Exhibition Gallery of the Institute of Jamaica, corner of East and Tower streets, downtown Kingston.

A Cecil Baugh 1968 vase, made of clay.