Heather Doram

Heather Doram is an Antiguan artist, actor, activist and educator, who is the designer of Antigua and Barbuda's national costume. In 2002 she was awarded the Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit in recognition of her lifetime achievements.

Biography Born in Antigua to a seamstress mother and a father who worked in sugar industries, Doram's family lived on a number of sugar estates due to her father's work. She attended Antigua Girls' High School in St John's and subsequently studied for an Associate Degree in Education from the University of the West Indies.

In 1994, Doram received a scholarship that enabled her to study for an MA degree at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), where her work was chosen to represent the university at the Venice Biennale. She designed award-winning carnival costumes designed with her husband Connie Doram. She retired in 2006.

In addition to her work as an artist and educator, Doram also has a successful acting career, which began in the 1990s. She has appeared in film, television and stage roles that include: The Vagina Monologues, The Sweetest Mango, and a monologue by Zahra Airall. The costume she designed is based on what women who worked as market vendors or bakers might have worn in 1834. The costume for women includes a dress made from a "madras plaid of red, gold and green", which is then covered with a white pinafore, and headscarf. Men's costume includes a waistcoat in the same plaid, as well as a white shirt, black trousers and a straw hat.

Reception Due to her focus on the heritage of Antigua and Barbuda in her work, Paget Henry has described Doram as a "nationalist" artist.

Awards

Grand Cross of the Most Illustrious Order of Merit (2002)