The Tribune

HE CREATED landmark sculptures that have delighted both Bahamians and visitors alike for decades, and now the work of local artist Stephen Burrows is being carried on by his children with the help of a new foundation.

On May 15, the Stephen G E Burrows Foundation was officially launched at the studio of Antonius Roberts, Hillside House on Cumberland Street.

The objective of the foundation, formed by the seven children of Mr Burrows – LaVerne Deleveaux, Linda Treco, Stephen Burrows Jr, Lisa Bastian, Laurell Burrows, Faye Burrows and Felice Burrows – is to manage, maintain and continue their father’s work, which began in 1973.

It’s mission is “to continue the culture of art in public spaces”, which became a passion of Mr Burrows’, through art donations, education and beneficial contributions to the community of the Bahamas.

As the keynote speaker at the launch, Prime Minister Perry Christie said it was a privilege to speak on behalf of his long-time friend, reminiscing about the days they played together as boys on the baseball field. He additionally expressed pride in witnessing the contributions Mr Burrows has made to the country for many decades while also serving in an important capacity at the Bahamas Electricity Corporation, where he was employed for more than 40 years.

Amanda Coulson, director of the National Art Gallery of the Bahamas, also contributed to the evening, offering similar sentiments. She called on the government to assist the efforts of Art in a public spaces by expanding the gallery with a national park for the display of these kinds of pieces.

The eight best-known pieces by Mr Burrows are: Conch Shell - John F Kennedy Drive and Westridge roundabout; White Crown Pigeon - JFK Drive and Blake Road roundabout; Flamingo - Clarence Bain Building, Thompson Boulevard; Rooster - Tonique Williams-Darling Highway and Baillou Hill Road roundabout; Bacardi Rat Bat - Carmichael and Bacardi Roads; Pompey - Steventon, Exuma; Iguana - San Salvador, and the Abaco Parrot - Marsh Harbour, Abaco.

In 1984, Mr Burrows created an 18-foot Iguana, which the government of the Bahamas offered as a gift to the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut.

The first piece by Mr Burrows, the Coat of Arms, was created to celebrate the Bahamas’ independence. The Lobster, which is no longer standing, was perhaps the most popular piece by Mr Burrows, followed closely by the Conch Shell.

A new addition is a few weeks from completion, the Triton Trumpet, which is slated to be displayed at the roundabout at John F Kennedy Drive and Thompson Boulevard.

The final piece by Mr Burrows is under construction and promises to be the most dynamic yet. It is a 30-foot dragon with mechanics built in, allowing it to emit fire and/or water.

LaVerne Deleveaux, of Mr Burrows’ eldest daughter, expressed gratitude to the governments of the Bahamas, especially the Ministry of Works, which over the years afforded Mr Burrows with the assistance necessary to create these pieces. She was also thankful for the presence of government and Opposition officials as well as BEC past General Managers Peter Bethel and Bradley Roberts, as well as current General Manager Kevin Basden.