Jamaica’s Fascinating Fretwork
I’ve been photographing examples of fretwork in Jamaica’s architecture for several months now. My fascination with the art form goes back to my childhood and the house I grew up in. Fretwork, similar to the one below, decorated the transoms – the space above the doors – and allowed air to flow freely through the house.
Transom fretwork
Fretwork is ornamental work that is made up of three dimensional interlacing designs. It has been around for more than 3,000 years. The Egyptians used inlays that were fretted in their furniture, and fretwork has been popular in Europe and North America since the 1800s.
Fretwork would have come to Jamaica around the same time. Examples can still be seen on official buildings that were constructed following the Georgian style, as well as private homes.
Below are some examples of fretwork I’ve captured.
Westgate Shopping Centre, Montego Bay
These panels at Westgate Shopping Centre in Montego Bay, captured my attention. I’ve been shopping here almost every week for more than a year and had no idea until I began this post that they depicted the Sam Sharpe rebellion, which took place in 1831. Sharpe, a preacher, was born in the parish of St. James, and is one of Jamaica’s National Heroes.
Westgate Shopping Centre, Montego Bay
The work was designed by Margaret Hobson and Will Hobson in collaboration with architect, Cosmo Whyte. It was built by Magic Toys.
Westgate Shopping Centre, Montego Bay
Falmouth
Fretwork can be found on gables and on window coolers.
Falmouth
Falmouth
These details add beauty and character to the buildings they adorn.
What kinds of architectural details do you look for when you travel?
This is my submission to Travel Photo Thursday, which is organized by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to head over and check out more photos from locations around the world.
This week, I’m also linking up with the Friday Daydreaming series organized by Becca at Rwethereyetmom. Hope to see you there!
About Marcia Mayne
Marcia Mayne travels a world full of books, music, art, fun people and great food. She raves about them constantly. Currently, she is journeying through Jamaica, her home country, to discover the places she missed.
Twitter: SophieR
says:
So beautiful – and practical. Really like the intricate ones at the shopping centre in Montego Bay. Must have been a lot of work.
Sophie recently posted..New Orleans by Instagram
Very practical and beautiful, Sophie. I’ve been trying to find more intricate ones like those at the shopping center. If I do, will do a follow up.
Very beautiful
These fretworks are amazing…
Muza-chan recently posted..A Japanese Song per Day: Fukuyama Masaharu – Sakurazaka
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Twitter: aweinclusive
says:
I love the fact that the designs depict historical events and it’s nice to see that people of African descent are featured in the artwork. It’s something I notice when going to countries with high populations of African descendents because it’s different from what I’m used to. In Washington, DC, the majority of artwork and sculptures I see on a daily basis depict those of European descent. It’s really interesting from a cultural perspective.
Michaela recently posted..Flying With A Dog and Other Pets
Thanks for pointing that out, Michaela. It was an interesting find especially because, having lived abroad for many years, it’s not what I’m used to. I’m wondering, though, how many people know what it depicts. Next time, I’ll have to check if there’s a plaque or other info there.
Twitter: travelnwrite
says:
These all look like they should be the backdrop to a fairy tale! Beautiful.
Jackie Smith recently posted..Searching for Catania Sicily’s “Pescheria”
So true. I never thought of that but now that you mention it, Jackie, I can definitely see that.
Twitter: eurotravelista
says:
I love this and can see why you’ve been taking pictures of them! Some are very intricate and others seem simple. Would love to add some to my own home.
Debbie Beardsley recently posted..Art Around Town – Statues & Fountains
I agree, Debbie, they are quite pretty. I’d love to add a few touches to my home as well.
Twitter: Wildtalesof
says:
Love learning new things—I’ve never heard of fretwork, and now I will definitely have my eye out for it as we travel around! I really love the very first one–feels like a very welcoming home.
Kate recently posted..A Rare Waterfall Viewing in Arizona’s White Tank Mountains
Glad you learned something new from this post, Kate.
Yes, there’s a warmth to the first one, a really homey feel.
Twitter: hikebiketravel
says:
I love the way you go to a country and there are certain architectural details that just stand out. You’ve done a nice job of capturing the detail. I’ve never seen anything like the windows in your Falmouth photo.
Leigh recently posted..A Trip to the Zipaquira Salt Mine – aka The Underground Salt Cathedral
Thanks, Leigh. Those windows are new to me too. I’ve seen a few more, also in Falmouth, and I really like them.
Twitter: BudgetTrvlTalk
says:
Wow, some of that fretwork is a real work of art. Happy hunting!
budget jan recently posted..Marooned on the Mekong
It sure is. Thank you!
Saw some on a beautiful house yesterday but couldn’t stop to capture it.
they know how to decorate a house. Love it.
They sure do. Glad you love it.
Twitter: latinAbroad
says:
Fretwork: I just learned a new English word today! For some reason, I didn’t know those doorway designs were called that way.
Thanks for the lesson!
- Maria Alexandra
Maria Alexandra recently posted..Puerto Rico travel video and photos: my first hosting bid!
You’re welcome, Maria Alexandra! They’re also called latticework
Twitter: travelermom
says:
The fretwork is very pretty. I don’t know that there is one architectural style I look for when traveling. I just notice everything that pops out at me. I think I’m going to pay attention to what that is from now on.
Tonya recently posted..The World’s Second Largest Gator Roadside Attraction in Kissimmee Florida
I find that those things are usually the most interesting.
If you have any photos, would love to see some of them, Tonya.
I love blogs and bloggers and the intimate insights I can have an an armchair traveller. Shall be looking out for fretwork whenever I get to Jamaica. Love to meet you via Travel Photo Thursday.
Great to meet you too, Seana! Thanks for stopping by.
Blogging certainly does give us the chance to travel the world without leaving home. Hope you get to visit Jamaica and see some of the fretwork.
Beautiful workmanship! I sometimes forget to look up.
EverywhereAmy recently posted..Photo Adventure : Visiting the East Rim of the Grand Canyon in the Winter
Glad you like, Amy. I think we all are guilty of that. It’s so easy to focus on where we’re going, excluding everything else.
beautiful decorations. It is so interesting to see traditional architectural designs and the reasons behind them.
Have a wonderful weekend, and thank you for stopping by my blog today.
Jill recently posted..Do you carry two cameras while travelling?
You’re welcome, Jill. Glad you find them interesting.
Twitter: johannaAcastro
says:
I think they would be beautiful for a little girl’s room. They are so intricate and delicate and as Jackie says, reminiscent of fairy tales.
Johanna at ZigaZag recently posted..Help! It’s a Melanoma. Why you should get your skin checked regularly.
Yes, I agree, Johanna. They’d make beautiful decorations and bring fairy tales to mind.
Twitter: worldbooktravel
says:
These look familiar but I never knew what they were called. They’re beautiful and I love the one on that shopping center. I can’t get over their details and the amount of work it must have taken to do them.
Mary recently posted..5 Free Things to do in Rome with Kids
I’m not surprised that you’ve seen them before, Mary.
They’re beautiful and pretty detailed so I guess they take a little while to put together. One of these days, I hope to meet a craftsperson who knows about them.
Twitter: ItalianNotes
says:
I’ve never notices fretwork used as a hand carved aircon. How wonderful.
Italian Notes recently posted..Abruzzo national parks: Castles and pastures
I guess you could use it for almost anything you imagine.
Twitter: wandertraveler
says:
I really loved Jamaica.
The influence of India is more present than I thought and these fretwork designs remind me of that influence.
Lovely.
Murissa
The Wanderfull Traveler recently posted..Where Chefs Eat: My New Travel Companion
It’s interesting that you should see that. Indian influence is everywhere, especially in our cooking.
Beautiful. I call them “functional artistry.” I paticularly love the fretwork on the mall. When I travel I tend to look at the designs of windows and doors. I always ind them fascinating. Now I know to look for the fretworks when I visit Jamaica.
“Fretwork” is my word of the day. Thanks for introducing it to me:)
Marisol recently posted..The Beautiful Sunset on Manila Bay
You’re welcome, Marisol. Glad to share.
I like your description – functional artistry. That it is. I’d love to see your collection of windows and doors.
Twitter: TravelingWithS
says:
The fretwork is so beautiful. But I have to admit that I didn’t know that term before.
I love architectural details, especially in windows, doors, stairways. It’s sometimes the small details that can give a simple building a touch of the unusual.
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Hungarian National Holiday: Celebrating Freedom
So true, Cathy. Simple details can really transform. If it weren’t for the fretwork, that shopping center would be just another collection of stores.
Twitter: pen4hire
says:
That work on the shopping center is wonderful. It reminds me of the artistry of the pediments on the Parthenon in Greece–the way the story must fit into the triangular space.
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..An Inside Look at Palestine
That’s an interesting observation, Vera. I hadn’t even thought of that.
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Thanks, Ornella!
Twitter: elizobihfrank
says:
Quite stunning… I love the extra details that give each home its special touch… So, so beautiful.
Eliz
ElizOF recently posted..Inspiration: Celebrate Good Deeds Day
Very stunning for sure, Elizabeth.
WOW!! This is really mesmerizing..Thanks for sharing,..
You’re welcome, Abhishek!
Thanks for leaving a comment.
Twitter: usedyorkcity
says:
What a brilliant idea! I never knew the purpose of this before, I just assumed it was decorative:-) Great photos!
Jess recently posted..A Taste Of Australia, Sans The 21 Hour Flight
Thanks, Jess. It’s also decorative – decorative and functional.
How cool, I didn’t know that that’s what they’re called. I like how each house has a different design – and good on you for noticing these details.
jill recently posted..My Kind of Beach in Belitung, Indonesia
Thanks, Jill. Glad you like them as they are special. There seems to be some basic designs and some that are more popular.
You never fail to amaze me with your shots.
I really enjoy going through your site. Keep it up!
Donna Kiritharan recently posted..Justice for Iska, Education for All
That’s such a lovely comment. Thanks for stopping by, Donna.
I’ve never seen window coolers before.
The rebellion fretwork reminds me of Indian or Thai imagery.
Hakea recently posted..only in the present
I like that name, Narelle. That’s exactly what they are.
And it does look a bit Indian or Thai.