Sources of Information

We acknowledge the Save the Magnificent Seven fb page for directing us to Citizens for Conservation of Trinidad and Tobago which was a significant source of our historical information on each of The Magnificent Seven. Thank You!

If you would like to read further on the topics discussed, please take advantage of the sources that were used :)

• "Built Heritage: Magnificent Seven." by Geoffery Maclean. International Conference of National Trusts Report, Citizens for Conservation of Trinidad and Tobago.

• "The Royal Residences: Balmoral Castle." The official website of The British Monarchy.
• "Scottish Baronial." Researching Historic Buildings in the British Isles
• "Scotland's History: The Wars of Independence." BBC
• "Moorish Architecture. Arches and Tiles decorate domes and pillars." National Geographic Education
• "Top Ten Most Beautiful And Largest Mosques  In The World." ABC News Point
• "Corsica, France - Google Maps - Google Chrome 1262014102312 AM" Provence Wine Zine. From the Modern Trobadors
• "Travel and Tourism: The Magnificent Seven." Discover TT. Your Travel Portal to Trinidad and Tobago
• "Port of Spain Architecture Tour Route Map, Port of Spain." GPS MY CITY
• "Types of Arches in Indian Architecture." Archi/Maps tumblr
• "Islamic or Mogul Architecture in India." by iCapture at Blogger.com.
• "Humayun Tomb Timing, facts, History and Information." IndiaOngo
• "Western Art. Baroque Architecture." Essential Humanities
• "Govt to spend $millions to restore five buildings." By Kalifa Clyne on February 18th 2016. Guardian Trinidad and Tobago
• "Residential Styles. Structural Elements. Architecture Guide: French Provincial." National Association of Realtors. RealtorMag
• "Architectural Styles: French Provincial Architecture." Design Evolutions. Residential Design Services
• "French Provential Architecture." Palladian House
• "Ministry of Works and Transport. QRC Restoration." Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
• "German Renaissance- Architectural Character." Old And Sold. Turn-of-the-century-wisdom-for-today
• "Renaissance Architecture and Buildings." Ducksters

Visit Our Collegues!

In this final post, we will discuss several of our colleges’ blogs relate to our theme.

Firstly, the well detailed and intriguing blog “Architecture Through Time ” by Rana Sundar and Shariel whose core theme surrounds the idea of the existence of various architectural types and design that exists today within Trinidad. They furthered the study of colonial architecture by including the dynamisms of space and time and how these factors transcend to the contemporary architecture in Trinidad and Tobago. They included a single posts that briefly discusses the Magnificent Seven but was able to achieve comparison to other architectural styles in their other posts.

   Additionally, from the dynamic blog “Urban Haven of Trinidad,” by Nicola Mathura and Dianne Mahabir we may draw reference. This pair achieved to publically realise the architectural representation and identity formed within Port of Spain. They intriguingly discusses Trinidad’ and Tobago’s colonial history and its impact on the existing architectural styles within the city. By identifying the Neoclassical styles from the 19^th century and giving in depth insight on the sentimental values these structures they justify the reasons to which these extraordinary sites should be preserved.

Wrap Up

1. Queen's Royal College
2. Hayes Court
3. Mille Fleurs
4. Ambard's House
5. Roman Catholic Archibishop's House
6. Whitehall
7. Stollmeyer's Castle 
Source: GPS My City

    

 Built in the early 20^th century, The Magnificent Seven are a group of distinct colonial style buildings which were constructed during the Spanish and British rule in Trinidad. It is unique to discover such architectural variety in most cities and more proudly within the small boundary of our twin Republic city, Port of Spain. This is illustrated in the photo above. These ornate buildings exist in various states of repair are a tangible representation that reflects the diverse heritage of our twin island. The historical structures symbolize and artistic representation of our history. Within the boundary of Port of Spain, if one were to stumble upon these buildings they will immediately understand that these houses represent a cultural aspect from a previous era. Therefore in preserving their authenticity we embrace art and our background. Albeit the dilapidated state that some of these buildings exist in today. However, by preserving these sites do we really appreciate the value or are we taking it for granted.

  These seven uniquely architectural infrastructures lay in a state of preservation, unused. However, in other Caribbean Islands such as Barbados and Jamaica, the Great Houses are well maintained and their structures preserved but public are allowed and encouraged to visit these sites to walk through the halls of a time forgotten. This practice should be adopted in Trinidad to allow its citizens and tourists to visit these sites as tourist attraction. What thrill it would be to roam the halls of the Whitehall and hear the stories of the Ghost of Agostino.  Or visit a real castle, right here in Trinidad, the Stollmeyers castle which was built in the likeness of a wing of a real castle in Scotland. Unfortunately, such opportunities are not granted as these places are converted into yet another government office.

 Just like a picture, the walls of a home that fostered families for generations can speak a thousand words. But with today’s fast pace and competition for space we take such values for granted and neglect these walls. In doing this we lose the stories that come with them and reflects a significant aspect to our history.  

 This brings to light the issue of how important is our culture to us. We announce that culture is important to us but at times controversies arise when particular decisions are to be made. For instance the purchasing a number of paintings by local famed Michel Jean Cazabon (1813 to 1888)  by the current Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Rowley. This was Dr. Keith Rowley’s first step to protection of our cultural heritage as our Prime Minister. However, the controversy began when the public was made aware of the prices of the painting that amounted to over TT$3 million. Persons were appalled that Dr. Rowley should choose to purchase these pricy but worthy paintings. Though, should we have to purchase our own painting from a foreign state? Our culture is a unique and diverse creation. The simplicity in the fact that those paintings were priced at millions reflects the contingent value of our own culture. Then why do we, as a nation choose when we want to support our heritage or not? Is it not a part of who we are? Just as these buildings belong and form a part of our nation. 

Queens Royal College

Queens Royal College. Taken  14th February 2016.

The last on the list of these eccentric and ornate colonial buildings is Queen’s Royal College. QRC, as it is locally known, was the first of the Magnificent Seven to be erected, with the foundation stone having been laid on the 11th of November of 1902 by acting Governor Sir Courtney Knollys. It was designed by alumnus and Chief Draughtsman of the Public Works Department, Daniel M. Hahn. 

The original building was constructed at a cost of what would equate today to TT$111,982.16 and could accommodate 180 students in six classrooms. The lecture hall, however, could accommodate excess of 500 people.

The imposing European style architecture can be clearly distinguished in the details. The primary architecture is reminiscent of German Renaissance.

German Renaissance has its influence from French Renaissance where the style was introduced to Germany half a century after it was rooted in France.  German Renaissance lacks the refinement of that of France (that observed in Ambard's House is Late Baroque of the French age of Baroque) and instead adopts some aspects of Elizabethan architecture, characterized by tall, decorative chimneys, square paneling, friezes (History of Art, "a long, narrow band of sculpture that runs along the architrave of a building." The most famous is the one on the Parthenon in Athens shown below) and decorated ceilings.

 A long strip from Athen's Parthenon Frieze. Source: Alamy.com. Accessed 4th April 2016

Features of German Renaissance can range from dainty and delicate looking to grotesque and boisterous. Characteristics include rounded arches and domes, columns, intricate ceilings and a symmetrical front profile.

Example of German Renaissance. St. Ulrich and St. Afra church, Augsburg Germany
Source: SacredDestinations.com. Accessed: April 4th 2016

Example of German Renaissance. St. Anne's church, Augsburg Germany
Source: SacredDestinations.com. Accessed: April 4th 2016

QRC Main Hall ceiling.
Source: Kee-Chanona Ltd: Restoration of the Queen's Royal College Building
Accessed: 4th April 2016

Of the Magnificent Seven, QRC is in the best condition and stands as the leading boys' secondary school in the Caribbean. This is due to the arduous and tedious restoration that was done. In the process of restoring this building of prestige, paint had to be carefully stripped to determine the original colours, decorative features and other significant architectural elements were rejuvenated and protected, past botched and unsuccessful attempts at restoration were replaced and modern  building codes and standards were met, all in an attempt toward the precise return of the structure to its past glory.

Kee Chanona Ltd. was contracted for the daunting task on November 8th 2006 and rehabilitation commenced in January the following year with construction being supervised by the Ministry of Works and Transport's Historical Restoration Unit. The contract was worth a whopping $34, 489, 635.04.

Hayes Court

Hayes Court. Taken  14th February 2016

The intention for Hayes Court at its conceptualization in 1904 was to serve as residence for the Anglican Bishop at the time, Bishop Thomas Hayes, who it was named after. Construction began in 1908 when the site was gifted anonymously and was completed by Taylor and Gillies firm by 1910. Bishop Hayes died when he was on leave in England, before he could even see the completion of the building.
Therefore, the first official resident became Reverend John Francis Welsh, third Anglican Bishop of Trinidad. This position of home to succeeding Anglican Bishops was maintained, as with Archbishop's House and Catholic Archbishops.

Hayes Court's is a French-English grand house. Typical of this style of housing, symmetrical facades and gable roofs are featured. Pillars and columns are also a common feature, along with double-hung shutter windows and panel doors.

Example of a typical colonial style home.Source: Architectural Designs: Colonial Plans.
Accessed  2nd April 2016.

Mille Fleurs

Mille Fleurs. Taken February 14th 2016

Mille Fleurs exists today in disappointing condition for it being such a tangible aspect of Trinidad's history and culture.  Currently, either some heavy renovation work is underway, considering it was blocked off from public view or its state of dilapidation has become such a hazard to public well-being that this was necessary. Hopefully the former is true and if so, the historical grandeur is retained in the renovations.

This grandeur of Mille Fleurs in particular is not nearly as grand or palacial as it's Magnificent Seven counterparts. From far, the colonial history is clear in the building design but it is up close that the refined, intricate details can be made out and the elaborate designs fully appreciated. This is a direct consequence of its classic architectural influence.

Mille Fleurs. Taken by Noel Norton and Maclean Publishing Limeted.
Source: Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago. Accessed April 1st 2016.

The residence, a marital gift from wife to husband, housed the family of Dr. Enrique Prada for one year shy of two decades. It was build in 1904 by Trinidad Trading Company's George Brown.

Mille Fleurs became the residence of Joseph Salvatori and family in 1923 When Mr. Salvatory died in 1959, Mrs. Salvatory lived alone until she too died in 1971. Their daughter, Mrs. Pierre Lelong, inherited the property but because she lived in Paris she sold it two years later  to a George Matouk who sold it for one million dollars in 1979 to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago who had the intention of using it as a government office.

                          BONUS!? Lame Joke...

                          Two tomatoes were rolling down adjacent hills and collided.
                         
                          Matouks!





Mille Fleurs' architectural style is described as French Provincial, a formal style of architecture which originated in the provinces in 17th- and 18th- century France.

Example of French Provincial architecture.
Source: Palladian House and Monor Home Developments.
Accessed April 1st 2016

Example of French Provincial architecture
Source: Design Evolutions Residential Design Services.
Accessed April 1st 2016.

With French Provincial architecture, balance and symmetry, formal and stately are words that best describe the appearance. The most notable design element is the presence of tall, second story windows that are usually arched at the top and break through both the decorative molding that crowns the building and the overhang of the roof. Details, accents and furnishings are usually copper or slate and in keeping with the perfect symmetrical element of French Provincial architecture, would be designed  around the main entrance at the centre.

Ambard's House a.k.a Roomor

Ambard's House Side View

Source:Noel Norton for Citizens for Conservation Trinidad and Tobago. 
Accessed. March 30th 2016. 

Front profile of Ambard's House. Taken 14th March 2016.
Constructed mainly out of wood, Roomor requires regular maintenance
and through time it has retained its original design. 

Constructed mainly out of wood, Roomor requires regular maintenance and through time it has retained its original design. 

Lucien F. Ambard's original intention for Ambard's House was a family residence when it was constructed in 1904. However, the financial burden that the mortgage payments generated resulted in Mr. Ambard losing ownership in 1919. The new owner, Pointz Mackenzie suffered the same fate four years later.
Ambard's House remained unoccupied until 1925 when an American businessman rented there with his family until 1940 when it was sold to Timothy Roodal.
The story of the origin of the name "Roomor" is an interesting one in that Roodal's granddaughter, Dr. Yvonne Morgan merged her maiden and married names while she lived there with her family.

Mr. Ambard must have had expensive taste with a penchant for top-of-the-line luxury since most of the materials used in constructed were imported. With marble from Italy, tiles from France and hardware, including cast iron elements from Scotland, Ambard's House reflected French baroque colonial style architecture. This may most definitely be attributed to the French architect who designed its original pattern.

Front profile of Ambard's House. Taken by Chris Anderson
Source:Discover Trinidad and Tobago; Touring Trinidad's Heritage. Accessed March 30th. 2016

The Baroque age of architecture portrayed a visible statement of wealth and power and encompassed four main eras that spanned two leading regions. Early Baroque (circa 1600-25) and High Baroque (circa 1625-75) full aesthetics could be seen in Italy while more subdued and restrained Late Baroque (circa 1675-1725) and Rococo (circa 1725-1800) were born in France.

Elements of Baroque architecture primarily showcase richly sculptured surfaces, strong curves, ornate decoration and an overall beauty in complexity, which can clearly be recognized in Ambard's intricate detailing. Dynamism is fundamental in Baroque art and architecture, where a sense of motion is portrayed. 
Late Baroque is classical. The most distinctive element is double-sloped mansard roofs, which are french in innovation. Rococo Architecture, arranged in 'organised chaos' retained Baroque elaborate elements and curves, but also added an aspect of drama in the form of pastel colours, rippling surfaces, organic based objets and asymmetrical decorations.

Example of Late Baroque architecture.
Facade of Versailles, France. Credit: WeEnterWinter
Source: Essential Humanities. Baroque Architecture. Accessed. March 30th.

Example of Rococo architecture
Facade of the Vierzehnheiligen. Credit: Dezidor

Source: Essential Humanities. Baroque Architecture. Accessed. March 30th.

The Archbishop's Palace

Archbishop's Palace. Taken: February 14th 2016.

The origin of the title Archbishop’s Palace is more or less self-explanatory. Built in 1903 by the fifth Archbishop of Port-of-Spain, Patrick Vincent Flood, the Archbishop’s Palace was to be a palatial residence, designed by an Irish architect who favoured Indian design elements and constructed by Trinidad Trading Company’s George Brown. One of the Magnificent Seven that is currently still occupied, it exists today as residence of the tenth Roman Catholic Archbishop Joseph Harris.

In the early 20^th century, restoration work was undertaken to preserve some of the authenticity of the Palace’s original design. However, the renovation work during 1968 and 1969 in particular resulted in a loss of a lot of the historical features, including a complete remodeling of the ground floor, a switch out from wooden paneled walls to concrete walls with aluminium windows and removal of the original double wooden doors on the ground floor to be replaced with more modern aluminium sliding doors and the removal of several walls (which limited the amount of natural light reaching the interior of the building). These changes are a truly unfortunate destruction of the original aesthetic of the building. Other changes include construction of a Chancery, and the demolition of a summer house and stables to be replaced by apartments. Areas such as the sacristy and the chapel fortunately remain stuck in their period, retaining their original state, if not for some ageing with time.

Indian architecture has evolved through the centuries, influenced by both geographic and socio-economic conditions which are reflected in the differences in expression over space and time.

(sSide View) Humayun’s Tomb is situated in east Nizamuddin of
New Delhi city near Nizamuddin Dargah
Source: IndiaOngo. Humayun's Tomb Timing, Facts, History and Information.
Accessed March 29th 2016 

One particular feature, which is clearly distinguishable and which arose solely because of the Indian design influence, is the presence of numerous ornate arches. Compared to the Indian temple featured above, the Archbishop's Palace shares several design elements which add to its uniqueness and beauty. This is especially impressive and intriguing considering the primary influence of building at the time was from French-Creole estate owners.

Types of arches in Indian architecture.
 Source: Tumblr user Archi/Maps. accessed March 29th

White Hall a.k.a. Rosenweg

Second in the lineup of the Magnificant Seven, (moving from North to South) is White Hall, originally called Rosenweg. 

White Hall.
Taken on the 14th February, 2016

Designed and constructed by Joseph Leon Agostini in 1904, White Hall took three years to complete construction, and was styled after Moorish Mediterranean architecture which was inspired by Corsica, the island from which the Agostini family originate (Corsica is located in western Mediterranean’s Tyrrhenian Sea).

Source: Google Maps. Accessed March 29th.

The Moors were Muslim inhabitants, North African people who conquered the Iberian Peninsula, Sicily, Malta and many other islands in the Western Medierranean at the beginning of the 7^th century BC. As a result, moorish architecture can be described as a variation of Islamic Architecture. The elements that are present in many designs are motifs and repeated patterns, intricate calligraphy, vegetative design, a variety of arches (both rounded and pointed) and decorative tiles. Today, mosques exist as the most common examples of Moorish architecture, the most famous of which is Mezquita, or the Grand Mosque of Cordoba, Spain. An accomplished representation and monument of Moorish architecture, it is renowned for its exquisiteness, elegance and intricacy.

Grand Mosque of Cordoba, Spain. Image source: ABC News Point "Top 10 Most Beautiful and Largest Mosques in the World". Accessed March 29th 2016

The Prayer Hall at the Grand Mosque. The graceful pillars and stripped double arches are most notable.
Source: National Geographic Education: Moorish Architecture. Accessed. March 29th 2016.

The Agostini family supposedly resided at White Hall until the collapse of the Trinidad’s cocoa industry, which resulted in their inability to fulfil mortgage payments since Mr. Agostini was a cocoa planter. As a result, the residence foreclosed and was sold a year after Mr. Agostinis death. The name White Hall came into existence when the new owner, Mr. Robert Henderson renamed it after the coral stone from which it is built.

When U.S. troops arrived in Trinidad at the beginning of WWII, White Hall was seized from the Seigert family (Henderson’s heirs) and used as the Air Raid Precaution headquarters for four years. After this time, it was used as a cultural centre by the British Council  in 1944. White Hall remained empty from 1949 (when the British Council did not renew their lease) up to 1954 when the government of Trinidad and Tobago purchased it. In 1957, prior to the establishment of the West Indies Federation, it was used by the Pre-Federal Interim Government.

Fun Fact:

In 1963, the Honourable Dr. Eric Williams, first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, occupied White Hall as his Office; this use maintained as the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’s office until 2009. It was restored in 2000 and stands in decent condition today. The government is currently preparing for further restoration initiatives.

BONUS! 
Included below is a link to a film which was uploaded by Nahda Media and published to YouTube on 17th October 2009 by user Fazzamin. 
It outlines the effect that the Moorish people had on Europe at the time of their conquering, and further details the intricacies and beauty that is custom to the Moorish architectural style. 
Enjoy :) 

When the Moors (Muslims) Ruled Europe: Documentary (full)