Legacy in Clay

In the heart of Bridgetown, a new mural is quietly being sculpted in clay by Hamilton’s Pottery Barbados, under the guidance of veteran designer and creator Hamilton Wiltshire. This large-scale public artwork is part of the island’s contribution to CARIFESTA XV, commissioned by the National Cultural Foundation (NCF). The piece as explained by Wiltshire “speaks to the history of clay and pottery in Barbados and the Sensory Mural Project aimed to capture years of events into a story that is told entirely through clay.”

The Sensory Mural Legacy Project maps the island’s history, beginning with its earliest inhabitants, right through European and African heritage, then finally into modern Barbados. It also nods to major events, cultural symbols and even imagines what the future might hold. Wiltshire further explained that “when the NCF proposed the idea of using clay as a medium for the mural, aligning with CARIFESTA’s mission to celebrate the arts of the Caribbean, it was a natural fit. So, to me it was important that we showcased what we could create because there is a rich history of lives that clay has shaped, and it still does today. CARIFESTA is the greatest celebration of Caribbean culture and creativity and there a lot of talented ceramists across the region so as it is a major highlight to have local work being showcased for all to touch and see.”
 

The mural starts with the bearded fig tree, the plant that inspired the name “Barbados” as given by the Portuguese and seamlessly weaves its way through history. It highlights the work of the island’s indigenous people, the rise of sugar cane as an economic force and honours the women of Chalky Mount, who once travelled to Bridgetown with pottery in hand to sell at the market. Their craft, passed down through generations, is now part of this permanent installation.

Hamilton Wiltshire, founder of Hamilton’s Pottery Barbados, shapes the island’s rich pottery heritage into a powerful, modern work of art for CARIFESTA XV.

There are also reflections on recent events from the COVID-19 period such as the La Soufrière volcanic eruption. Wiltshire said “ash from the eruption was used to create a custom glaze,” blending the story of regional hardship into the artwork itself. Looking ahead, the mural acknowledges Barbados’ place in the modern world, with symbols that highlight social media such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, which represent the island’s growing global connections and digital life. The aim? As Wiltshire said “is to tell a story from where we came from, what we experienced and where we are going.”
 

The mural will be installed in a central, accessible location in Bridgetown, designed carefully to be interactive and inclusive, with raised textures and carved patterns to allow locals and visitors alike – including those who are visually impaired with the ability to engage with the story by touch.
 

Behind the scenes, the mural was shaped by a collaborative process. Wiltshire and his team submitted drawings and concepts to the NCF for review, adjusting along the way to reflect collective input. “The biggest challenge was merging different ideas,” he said. “But that collaboration made it stronger, because it is not just about the beauty aspect but being successful in the goal of ensuring it fits the purpose and the space around it.”
 

For Wiltshire, the mural is deeply personal. He said “it is hard to put into one word but I’d say legacy. And prosperity. I hope when people touch it, they feel connected to the roots of our culture and the stories we used to share in the markets, the way we once passed down history.” (PR)