Mr Clarke wrote to tell me where his gorgeous book, Old Barbados Through Photography, can be purchased on the island.  Those places are noted below.

His photos of Old Barbados landmarks are a record of the island’s past as well as a plea for preservation. I ordered my copy of his sumptuous book by mail (go to his site for info) and after oohing and aahing over the photos, I got in my car and drove to some of the spots he depicts.  Amazing how photography gets us to see the very things we pass by every day.

Below:  The derelict Empire Theatre on Probyn Street in Bridgetown, by Keith Clarke. Its title? “Just Restore Me!”

Aunt Paulie’s Convenience: Shop C2 at Grantley Adams International Airport, (246) 428-731

Main Office Address: Savera House at 116 Roebuck St in Bridgetown, (246) 429-8546

Phone orders: (246) 256-4170 or (246) 256-5415

I goofed.  Every photo I post on this blog is one I took myself or purchased from istockphoto.

Except one.  It was a photo of a verdant island valley, by Barbados photographer Keith H. Clarke (stunning site; please visit it).  Very kindly, Mr Clarke wrote me and asked for attribution. Since his photo was part of a rotation that doesn’t allow for attribution or captions, I (regretfully) removed it.

Despite my embarrassment, I’m glad the incident occurred because I’m now aware of Mr Clarke’s stunning work.

Photo by Keith Clarke for JPG Magazine, Mar '08

Take, for example, the photo here that captures the beauty and spirit of Barbados’ annual carnival, CropOver. Or the one below, which is the offending photo in question (which I am using here with permission). 

In my wanderings through his blog, I came across Mr Clarke’s stunning book entitled Old Barbados Through Photography, which I promptly purchased for the commentary as well as for the photos.

Along with photos of buildings and scenery quickly being squashed by new development, Mr Clarke argues for preservation and makes suggestions. To wit:

“…government has more to gain in total restoration or renovation of its heritage buildings. Like Ecotourism, government can profit from Heritage Tourism.”

Well done.  And, I hope, effective:  It’s more likely that government will buy an argument addressing possible profit than sense of duty.

I guess every one of us who comes wants to close the door behind us.  Even in the two years since I’ve been introduced to Barbados, I’ve seen enormous changes and I lament that if new building must occur, why can’t it be done with more sensitivity to the landscape and old architecture?

What if Old Barbados in Photography landed on every legislator’s and developer’s desk?  Would these – could these – photos speak?