HISTORY OF THE AWARDS
The Musgrave Medals are awarded to selected persons for achievements in the fields
of literature, art and science. According to the Institute of Jamaica’s records,
the Musgrave Medal was awarded in 1897, as a memorial to Sir Anthony Musgrave, former
Governor of Jamaica who founded the Institute of Jamaica in 1879. Subsequent to
his death in 1888, the decision was taken by the Board of Governors of the Institute
in 1889, to award medals annually in his honour. The Medals then were designed by
well-known British sculptor, Alfred Toft.
Between 1897 and 1906 the medals were only given as prizes in art and craft competitions.
In 1897 the Institute organized a competition “on the lines of Eisteddfod” (A Welsh
Festival), to form part of Jamaica’s activities to commemorate Queen Victoria’s
Silver Jubilee. The prizes offered included one silver and several bronze medals
for winners in the main categories of Literature, Art and Science.
The Musgrave gold was not considered until 1941. The Gold Medal was awarded for
distinguished eminence in Literature, Science or Art in the West Indies, quite often,
Jamaica. The recipient must have attained international recognition in their special
field. It was first awarded to Edna Manley for her contribution to the promotion
of Art and Literature.
Other noted gold medallists include:
• Mr. Cecil Baugh – Art: Ceramics – 1984
• Hon. Louise Bennett- Coverley – Poetry and Theatre Arts- 1976
• Professor the Honorable Rex Nettleford – Arts and West Indian Cultural Development
– 1981
Youth Musgrave
The first Youth Musgrave Medal was awarded in 2001 to Makonnen Blake Hannah for
Information Technology.
To date, there have been
435 (including 2006 awardees) awardees
of Musgrave medals.