It is true that Guyana is a multicultural country and this is particularly reflected in the diversity which is created by its artists. Art, especially visual art has long been one of the most important ways for Guyanese to express themselves; whether this be in expressing their emotions or pride in their heritage. However, there are not many avenues in the country that allows for the growth of the arts. The E.R. Burrowes School Of Arts stands as one of the few places where persons are able to build on their passion for visual arts in Guyana. It fosters an environment where any Guyanese can grow and master the skills which they innately possess. Though it is but a small location, it provides grand skills for anyone pursuing the visual arts. The school falls under the Institute of Creative Arts, a body which also comprises of the Guyana Nations School of Drama and Theatre Arts, the Guyana National School of Dance and The Guyana National School Of Music. Together, these all provide a gateway for young people and older persons alike to get into the habit of creating something beautiful and putting the name of Guyana on the map.
The Burrowes School Of Art was named after Edward Rupert Burrowes who lived from 1903 to 1966. He was an artist and art teacher who founded the Working People’s Art Class (WPAC), the first established art institution in Guyana. The E R Burrowes School of Art is classed as an undergraduate institution accredited by the University of Guyana.
Burrowes was born in Barbados in 1903 and arrived in Guyana as a young child. His father worked for the privately owned Daily Chronicle. After his father’s death, the family had little money to live on. When Burrowes left primary school he became a tailor’s apprentice. He continued to study from books, and passed examinations in English Language and Literature, English History, and Scripture. He passed the City and Guilds examinations at an unusually young age, and was able to open his own tailoring shop.
Burrowes was interested in art from an early age, and had natural talent. Unable to afford to buy paints, he worked out how to make them using tailor’s chalk. He was a frequent visitor to the Georgetown Museum, and was fascinated by the Indian artifacts and displays of Guyanese geology that he saw there. The British Guiana Arts and Crafts Society (BGACS) was formed in 1932, and Burrowes became a member. The established BGACS members were impressed by the talent he displayed in his landscape and genre paintings; the latter depicted working-class people in everyday scenes.
Burrowes began teaching Working Peoples’ Free Art Class, which influenced artists such as Dr Denis Williams. His goal was to give ordinary working people an opportunity to develop their artistic talents. Burrowes founded the WPAC in 1948. In 1949 he received a British Council scholarship which let him attend the Brighton College of Art, where he specialized in block printing. When he returned after a year, he was appointed Art teacher at the Government Teachers’ Training College. In 1954 Burrowes was appointed an Ordinary Member of the Civil Division of the Order of the British Empire for services to art in British Guiana. In 1956 he was teaching Art and Art History at Queen’s College. He died aged 63 in 1966.
In honour of him, the Burrowes School of Art was aptly named and today stands to help those who have the passion as E.R. Borrowes did.
(Piece done by Tammy Walker, former student of the E.R. Burrowes School Of Art, photo credits to the artist)
