Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

One of the many beautiful pieces on show at Wallace Campbell's exhibition. - Contributed

In the '70s and way into the mid '80s, it was one of the most sought after addresses in polite society. The host, the late venerable Burnett Webster, was a gentleman and a scholar, with a particular eye and appreciation for the finer things of life that naturally included the arts and all things cultural.

Back then, while some hosted parties and receptions, Burnett Webster was known to hold court, thus setting him apart from his peers and/or the social scene that prevailed at the time. In the process, an invitation to his dos was more like a treasured but dreaded summons, as Webster, a first-class raconteur, was not only a grand and gracious host, but he was as notorious as he was well-liked for his wicked wit that included taking the mickey out of some of his more inflated guests.

Legacy to society

Burnett, however, was never unkind, even at his most biting moment, and today, his legacy to polite society includes a greater and deeper appreciation for things artistic and patronage. His coveted house - 5 Seaview Avenue - was not only a cultural meeting place, at one time it was the successor to the famed Drumblair home of the Manleys.

Well luvs, today the late Burnett Webster's former residence is once again the budding social epicentre of the art world, and how!

Located in the coveted real estate area known as the 'golden triangle', the estate was acquired by art collector extraordinaire, Wallace Campbell, and for my word, the trustees of the estate must be beside themselves in sheer joy, because not only has Campbell maintained the artistic and architectural integrity of the residence, he has now made the residence the foremost home for art here in Jamaica and the region.

Gateway for young artists

Campbell has made it the central home of his vast Caribbean multi-million-dollar art collection, and open from time to time to showcase the works of the leading luminaries of the day, as well as serving as a gateway for the young artist to access collectors and the art-loving public.

Well, last Thursday night, Campbell opened the doors to showcase the latest works of some of Jamaica's leading artists in a show that will long be remembered for its charm and wholesome character!

My dears, it was a showing of the contemporary masters, and precious angels, the art clearly won over as with works from such venerables as Dr. David Boxer; Seya Parbosingh; Judy-Ann MacMillan; Sameer Tansley; Susan Shirley; Hope Brooks; Amy Laskin; George Rodney; Heather Sutherland-Wade; and the late Colin Garland. On offer, those guesting did so with chequebooks in hand, and so, before the night was over, most of the near 60 pieces on offer had found new owners, and my dears, we are not talking bargain basement deals here, either.

But no surprises here, as with the entire collection set in a most aesthetically pleasing mode, buyers had no difficulty in seeing the context and/or prospect of their intended acquisitions and so, with the aesthetic sale already made, all else was easy!

Luvs, we are talking about the grand life here, with the front lawns of the property fabulously dotted with oversized sofas to recreate the harmony of the interior of a fab home, the ground and first floor of the two-storey residence, walls draped with some of the most beautiful paintings.

Dovecakes, it made for a master showing, and with the music by Keith Thompson making for great soothing companionship, a simply fine feast of finger foods and exotic fruits on offer, it all made for one august outing, and, my dears, it was like that and nothing else!

Among the notables spotted were the Most Honourable Glynne Manley; the elegant Valerie McNeil and her daughter the lovely Fiona McNeil Rerrie; Dr. Don Christian and his companion Hyacinth Davidson; Dr. David Boxer; Professor Carolyn Cooper; Dr. Jonathan Greenland; the elegant Susan Alexander; Charles Hanna; Roy and Sylvia Collister; the venerable Judy-Ann MacMillan; the tres elegant Lorna Myers; Jag Mehta; the fab Jennifer Lim; celebrated architect Patrick Stannigar; the very charming Margaret Bernal; the elegant Sue McManus; Dr. and Mrs. Leon Vaughn; Greg and Susan Shirley; Mr. and Mrs. Keith Fredricks; Dr. and Mrs. Owen Minott; tenor and artist Cecil Cooper; Dr. Peter Glaze; Nicola Crosswell-Mair; William Mahfood; the lovely Karen Zacca; the fabulous Jody Summerbell; the gorgeous Eva Myers; Angeline Harris; Vance and Michelle Campbell; P.J. Azar; Maria Lee; Herman van Asbroeck; Jennifer Henriques Phillips; Hope Brooks; Andrew Phillips; Heather Sutherland-Wade; Petrona Morrison; Shelly Hendrickson; Tony and Yvonne Ray; Maree Sigurdson; Christopher Irons; Ann McNamee; Steve Evans; Willy and Maureen Taylor and their daughter Anyees; Jimmy Joseph; Dr. Dean Wright and wife Dr. Susan Wright; Deryck and Audrey Russell; Julie Newton and Carol Samuels Johnson.