What better way to celebrate your culture than living with the visual and spiritual language of your people! A perfect description of Theresa Roberts, passionate art collector and cultural ambassador for her beloved country — Jamaica.
Theresa Roberts and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness (Contributed Photo)Philanthropist and entrepreneur, Roberts migrated to the United Kingdom during her formative years (age 8), but Jamaica never left her heart. She is that same little girl who grew up in St. Elizabeth, and that spirit is palpable when she speaks about Jamaica.
“I went to Jamaica with my husband to the Half Moon hotel. when I walked in, there was a print of a little girl with a little bangle earring sitting by the roadside selling Mangos. I realised that represented me because that’s what I used to do as a little girl. I didn't have the bangle earring, but I was on the street selling mangos to people who were driving to Kingston. I looked at it and I said oh my god, that’s me. Then all of a sudden, I had this overwhelming feeling. I knew I had to so something with Jamaican art,” explained an emotional Roberts.
CONNECTION
This was the connection that started Roberts’ relationship with Jamaican art and artists. That fateful trip led Roberts and her husband, Andrew, to begin researching the art of Jamaica.
“I didn't realise that such a small country like Jamaica had such a large community of great artists,” the philanthropist exclaimed.
Today, as one of the world’s largest collectors of Jamaican art, her collection is divided between the couple’s home in London, their palatial home (Hanover Grange) in the exclusive Tryall estate in Hanover, Jamaica, and some in storage.
But, her foray into art began years earlier, in the 1990s when she was introduced to the work of British sculptor, David Begbie, whose monumental pieces and especially his mesh-wire work, inspired her to start collecting art. One could say ‘the rest is history’, as the philanthropist started buying artwork from emerging artists, many of whom are now fully established in the industry.
“I always wanted to support up and coming artists, so I would always buy a small piece not really thinking I would become a collector. I buy because I love art, I want to wake up to art.”
Not discounting the value of art, Roberts buys pieces that moves her, she buys what she loves, not solely for investment purposes. Her collection is varied, from paintings to sculpture to photography and includes some of the Jamaican masters such as Albert Huie to undiscovered artists with great talent. Indeed, her collection and passion is so well-known across Europe and the Caribbean that Roberts has become an influential figure in the art industry. It is for this reason that she was appointed Jamaica Ambassador/Special Investment Envoy for Culture and Arts by Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in 2023.
“I love my country and I love my Prime Minister. I think he is doing a good job… As ambassador for the arts, I am already doing that. The investment envoy is what I’m really working hard at now because I want to bring investment to Jamaica.”
PHILOSOPHY
Roberts' philosophy behind art collecting is to buy good quality pieces from the Jamaican artists she admires because it is her intention to promote them internationally. Her first exhibition showcased Jamaican female artists at Cambridge University in 2010 which featured a number of artists from Jamaica’s Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. In 2012 she held an exhibition entitled ‘Jamaican Men - A Collector's Choice’ at London’s Europe House. The House of Lords was also one of the prestigious venues to highlight artistic talent from her beloved country.
Her unending promotion of Jamaican art reached new heights with the 2022 opening of ‘Jamaica Making — The Theresa Roberts Art Collection’ at the Victoria Gallery and Museum at the University of Liverpool. To date, that exhibition has had more than 8,000 attendees. As well, the book of the same title that was produced for the show has been placed in more than 900 universities and libraries worldwide. And, with another book on Jamaican art due out soon, the art collector noted that it all came together because of the quality of the art and the genuine support from the museum and university.
Part of her drive to promote Jamaican culture is also evident in her entrepreneurial side. Roberts and her husband are owners of the Jamaica Patty Company (JPC). Established in 2013, JPC opened in the heart of London on Liverpool Street, the only Jamaican speciality eatery in the buzzing business district. A second location, in trendy Covent Garden, is continuing Roberts’ mission to bring another taste of Jamaican culture to the UK, but with a much more refined, elegant flair.
Roberts explained that she wants to elevate the Jamaican patty. The patties are not the microwavable kind that can be found in supermarkets. Instead she uses high quality fresh ingredients in a semi-puff pastry that make JPC products stand out from the rest. With a choice of beef, chicken, curry goat, ackee & saltfish, and vegan options, there is a patty for every taste. They also carry other island faves like Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee and the delectable Tortuga Rum cakes, both sourced directly from the Jamaica. Her game plan has always been to introduce the culture and delight the senses of international audiences. This strategy has proven successful, so much so that she will open her third location in yet another upmarket area in London — Canary Wharf.
Whether it’s art, food, or family Roberts’ passion never wavers.
“My grandchildren and great grandchildren is part of what gives me the drive… They know they have a Jamaican Nan. They know that Jamaica is one of the best countries in the world and that I’m passionate about what I'm doing.”
