FEATURE
Honouring the past, looking to the future: Inside the groundbreaking restoration of Government House
S ometimes the most important stories are not to be found in literature but in timber, brick and stone. Those kinds of stories must be carefully unearthed and conscientiously preserved in order to honour the past and take forward lessons for the future. Government House was once the epicentre of authority in Antigua & Barbuda, the headquarters of colonial power during the days of slavery. As the Governor-General’s official residence since 1811, it was also where state functions were staged and visiting royalty hosted. But hurricanes, earthquakes, heat and neglect took their toll over the years and the grand building fell into disrepair. Its centuries-old paintings faded, the historic furniture became ridden with termites, and the flooring was so rickety a former British Commissioner’s high heels once went straight through the boards. More than two centuries after its foundations were first laid, Government House today stands as a beacon of democracy and a testament to teamwork, the graceful remnants of a proud and painful past. Now, a three-year intense renovation has resurrected the building’s former splendour and brought it back into use for official events. A skilfully curated first-floor museum gives an unflinching account of the nation’s story from early British rule through emancipation, independence and finally to modern-day democracy. The property started life as two separate entities – a parsonage and the private home of a legislative assembly member – that were later merged, explains Dr Gabriella Howell MBE, Director for Historic Conservation. Government House was not the first project of its kind that Dr Howell had worked on, having previously overseen the renovation of the 17th century Great House at Mercers Creek, a former sugar plantation.
54
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online