Who Is Alvin T. Marriott?
Honoring a Jamaican Sculpting Legend
Let me introduce you to someone truly special—my Grandpa Marriott.
Hon. Alvin Tolman Marriott O.J, C.D. (December 29, 1902 – September 20, 1992) was a legendary Jamaican sculptor whose work left an indelible mark across Jamaica, the UK, and the US. If you've strolled through a Jamaican park, visited a museum, or passed by national monuments, chances are you’ve seen his masterpieces.
But let’s rewind. 👇
A Sculptor From Day One
From as young as nine, Grandpa Marriott was already turning heads with his carving skills. "Even from the age of nine, neighbors were calling me a sculptor," he once said. He had an unstoppable drive to create. There’s even this wild story where he ran away from home for three weeks just to carve a lion out of a tree trunk—surviving on bananas and... worms. (Yeah, seriously. 😬)
Born in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Grandpa grew up surrounded by creativity. His dad, Robert Marriott, made straw hats for tourists, and his mom, Emily, was a talented playwright and musician. Clearly, the arts run deep in our family veins. 🎨🎭
Chasing Art Through Life’s Challenges
After losing his father in 1923, the family moved to Kingston. As the eldest of four, Grandpa had to help support the family, often selling his early sculptures for almost nothing. The term “starving artist” hits home here. He was making busts of big names like King George V and Gov. Richards—yet barely scraping by.
In 1928, he married his high school sweetheart, Beatrice Black (aka Grandma Marriott), and they went on to have eight children. My mom, Marjorie, was their second child. 💖
Mastering His Craft
In the 1930s, Grandpa worked as a furniture maker and carver, creating intricate pieces for major UK furniture houses. He was that good—so good that he even carved a mahogany tray as a wedding gift for Queen Elizabeth. 😲
One English manufacturer once said, “Alvin Marriott could carve as fluently as an experienced calligrapher could write.”
He wasn’t just about furniture, though. He took on architectural art projects across Europe and in 1944 even sculpted a bust of President Franklin D. Roosevelt while in the US.
In 1947, Grandpa received a scholarship from the British Council to study at Camberwell School of Arts and Crafts in London. Despite never having formal training before, he absolutely crushed it and was even asked to teach there afterward. 🎓✨
Leaving a Legacy in Jamaica 🇯🇲
Returning to Jamaica, Grandpa worked on some incredible projects. He carved the intricate Coat of Arms for the University Chapel and crafted mahogany pelicans for its lectern.
But one of his biggest moments came in 1962—the year Jamaica gained independence. With national pride at its peak, Grandpa was commissioned to create “The Athlete,” a massive 7,000-pound statue inspired by Arthur Wint, Jamaica’s first Olympic gold medalist. Unveiled by Princess Margaret, this masterpiece now stands tall at the National Stadium in Kingston. 🏅
He also sculpted some of Jamaica’s most iconic figures:
My beautiful mom, standing proudly with her dad’s monument of Marcus Garvey in Jamaica.
Prime Minister Alexander Bustamante
Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey
Premier Norman Manley
Governor-General Sir Clifford Campbell
Sports advocate Sir Hubert MacDonald
Awards, Honors & Humility
Throughout his life, Grandpa Marriott received tons of accolades:
Bronze & Gold Musgrave Medals 🥇🥈
Order of Distinction, Commander Class (C.D.)
The Order of Jamaica (O.J.)
Artist of the Year in both 1962 & 1969
Jamaica Badge of Honour in 1967 for his service to the arts
But even with all the fame, he remained humble and focused on his craft.
The Final Challenge: Bob Marley 🎶
In his later years, Grandpa battled Parkinson’s disease—a devastating condition for any artist, especially a sculptor. His hands shook, but his spirit didn’t.
Then, at 82, he got the call for his biggest commission yet: a life-sized bronze statue of Bob Marley. Despite his health struggles, Grandpa poured everything into the project. The unveiling at Celebrity Park in Kingston was legendary. Fans roared as Prime Minister Edward Seaga revealed the statue to the world.
It was a crowning achievement—a final masterpiece that showcased not just his talent but his unwavering dedication.
A Family Legacy 🎨💫
Grandpa Marriott passed away on September 20, 1992, but his legacy lives on. His story isn't just about art—it’s about passion, resilience, and the drive to leave something meaningful behind.
I’m proud to call him my grandfather and even prouder to continue the creative journey he started.
May his life inspire artists everywhere to chase their dreams, push through the struggles, and always, always create from the heart. ❤️
