The WARE Collective: Reviving Jamaica's Heritage Through Architecture

WARE Collective photos: A Spanish Wall house in St. Elizabeth

In a world constantly racing toward modernization, there is an undeniable charm in the echoes of the past, preserved in the very architecture that once housed generations. Such is the essence of the WARE Collective – a remarkable initiative that unfurled five years ago – aimed at celebrating and conserving Jamaica's rich traditional built environment. This living museum, being birthed in southern St. Elizabeth, is not just a testament to history; it's a beacon that illuminates the path toward a heritage-conscious future.

The Journey Begins: Origin and Purpose
The acronym WARE stands for something more profound than words – Wattle And Red Earth. But it's more than just construction materials; it's a tribute to the profound art of building, passed down through generations. As WARE’s Director, Carol Campbell, explains, it’s about preserving the past with a resolute purpose.

What began as a bold vision among friends who serendipitously shared the same notion, evolved into a collective mission. Their aim was crystal clear – to salvage architectural gems that silently bore witness to history as it unfolded. Often these structures took the form of Spanish wall buildings, repositories of stories of resilience, innovation, and ingenuity.

This vision has blossomed into the WARE Collective, a non-profit, charitable organization that champions the preservation and education of traditional arts and sustainable building practices throughout southern St. Elizabeth and the entirety of Jamaica.

From Deconstruction to Reconstruction: A Journey of Faith
Aware that these buildings were vanishing due to misuse, misconception, and disregard, WARE embarked on a mission to not only revive structures but to resurrect the very essence of a bygone era.

Their journey led to the resurrection of one such structure. Picture a team meticulously dismantling a historic house, stone by stone, wood by wood, and painstakingly moving it to a new site on what will become a living museum experiential escape. 

Campbell describes the process as an exercise in unwavering “faith”. This act alone symbolizes the reverence and commitment that The WARE Collective holds for their cause. The team carried the past into the present, laying the groundwork for a heritage-driven future. The journey involved years of dedication, strategic planning, and even financial maneuvering.

Their maiden project was a documentary on the construction and operation of a lime kiln, which garnered global acclaim. “We scripted it, brought in a photographer, a videographer, and a narrator. Everything just fell into place. Before we knew it, we had this phenomenal 20-minute documentary. Next thing you know, we're being invited to showcase the film far and wide – at UTECH (University of Technology, Jamaica) architectural school, in London, and even at the Toronto Film Festival," reminisces Campbell.

However, a film was merely a prologue. The team embraced faith once more, seeking out a property to establish a physical structure. Soon enough, they learned of a Spanish building in St. Elizabeth on the brink of destruction by its new owners. The Collective struck an agreement with the proprietors, securing ownership of the building, albeit requiring its relocation. Thus began the process of deconstructing and rebuilding that very house in southern St. Elizabeth, a journey that spanned two years and resulted in the acquisition of their own property, now home to two Spanish wall buildings under construction.

Spanish Wall Buildings: Beyond Bricks and Mortar

The restoration of Spanish wall buildings transcends bricks and mortar; it breathes life into the spirit that birthed them. The art of constructing and burning lime – the adhesive foundation that holds these houses together – imparts lessons in resourcefulness and innovation.

Beyond mere structures, WARE seeks to instill the qualities inherent in these architectural marvels – attributes like resilience, adaptability, craftsmanship, and the ability to find beauty in simplicity. 

“WARE’s focus is on not just restoring old buildings, but on educating about the value of these buildings and also what it was that drove the people who created these buildings. The ones that we're focusing on are those of the post-emancipation period. Evidence of the Spanish walls has been around since the building of the pyramids. I think this technique came over from Africa. Why it's called Spanish walls? I'm not quite sure. That's something we have to research. But, what drove the people to create these structures? It was resilience, ingenuity, resourcefulness, and creativity. Those are the things that we can learn from this type of construction not just about how to do buildings. I think it's more important to learn these qualities - of how to be; instead of simply focusing on we're rebuilding a building. It doesn’t have any meaning without the back story,” shares Campbell.

A Living Museum: Where Heritage Breathes

The ‘living museum’ concept, embraced by WARE, embodies their ethos. Heritage is not confined to the past; it’s an integral part of the present and a shaper of the future. The collective envisions a space where heritage isn't a relic but a vibrant, evolving entity.

WARE's approach recognizes that the footprints we make today will be tomorrow's heritage. This vision guides their work as they reimagine a museum as not a solitary building, but a collection of restored structures with diverse purposes, engaging visitors in activities that enrich their connection with history.

As visitors step onto the property, meticulously curated landscaping sets the scene for a voyage through time. The design isn't purely aesthetic; it's an artful creation that fosters a profound emotional bond with the past. The immersive experience will include not just buildings, but also a restaurant, a working farm, and activities such as demonstrations on constructing a Spanish wall.

Phase Three of the Collective’s vision will see the living museum being opened to the public in March 2025.

Paving the Way Forward: Get Involved

As WARE looks to the future, it doesn't walk alone; it extends an invitation to all who wish to be a part of this journey. A virtual fundraising auction, slated for October 2023, promises to gather support and resources for this noble cause. 

Those who wish to contribute financially can find a channel through WARE's GoFundMe page (https://gofund.me/0f5773b8). Additionally, an apprenticeship program offers an opportunity to learn the intricate art of rebuilding Spanish red earth houses, ensuring that this legacy continues to thrive.

Discover More at WARE's Digital Home

For those captivated by this tale of brick-solid belief, history, and heritage, the WARE Collective's website (www.thewarecollective.com) serves as a portal to explore further. Aspiring individuals, history enthusiasts, or anyone looking to make a meaningful impact on the preservation of cultural architecture can find their place within this passionate collective.

In the heart of southern St. Elizabeth, The WARE Collective stands as proof of the profound stories walls carry. It's a celebration of the past, a promise for the future, and an attraction for all to be a part of an ongoing narrative where heritage isn't a vestige, but a thriving, dynamic force.