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The
Best Gift Shop in Town! |
A small gift shop displaying local crafts was enlarged and redecorated in December 2001 and now displays art and hand made craft work by fifty local Antiguans providing a valuable economic back bone for the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda.
Among the items for sale are:
ANTIQUES - A collection of household items from Antigua's old houses. The collection includes bottles, bells, tools, ceramic wares and much more ...
ANTIGUA MAPS - Large and small for framing, one special map of Antigua in 1933 showing the location of sugar estates and the railway track used for transporting sugar cane to the Central Factory.
ART WORK - Original and printed reproductions depicting Caribbean scenes and peoples.
POTTERY - Handmade pottery, bowls, plates made of native clay.
SHELL WORK - Decorated pieces of all varieties from matchboxes to luminaria , ash trays, wall pieces and intricately decorated mirrors and mobiles.
DOLLS - In National Costume, in Vitus Dance Troupe carnival costume, as local musicians, collectible dolls, in holiday ornament, as well as doll magnets.
CULINARY SPECIALTIES - Locally roasted coffee, herbal teas, chutneys, herbal leaf flavoured vinegars, pepper jellies & jams, and several varieties of hot sauce.
PAPER MACHÉE - Bowls, boxes, magnets, beaded mobiles, and holiday decorations.
BOOKS - An extensive collection including history and scientific publications as well as books of local stories, poetry, cook books and novels.
JEWELRY - Locally crafted sterling silver, Arawak designs, pendants, as well as bracelets and charms.
TOILETRIES - Locally made mosquito creams, healing and pain free cream and a large variety of home-made soaps, many scented with herbs.
WOOD CARVINGS - Of boats, fish and turtles.
The Shop is open during Museum hours, 8.30 am to 4 pm weekdays and 10 am to 2 pm on Saturdays in the Museum building on the corner of Market and Long Streets, St. John's, Antigua.
ANTIQUE REPLICATED CHILDREN'S CHAIRS
The GIFT SHOP has copies of hand made by renowned Antiguan furniture maker George Pigott which sell for $400 EC/$150US. They are a folding mahogany chair with cane seat - an item destined to become an antique.
REPRODUCED MAP OF ANTIGUA
The Museum has recently reproduced a map of Antigua surveyed in1933. It is of special interest to researchers of the sugar industry in the 20th century. Putting this map together with the new book “Antigua Then: Scenes from a West Indian Childhood” by Margaret Lockett, much can be learnt about this period of Antigua’s history. The map’s inscription is as follows:
“Map of the island of Antigua BWI respectfully dedicated to George Moody-Stuart CBE, Chairman of the Antigua St. Kitts Sugar factory as a mark of esteem and appreciation for his valuable work in connection with the Sugar Industry and general advancement of the island by Alex. A. Camacho M. Inst. B. E., late Sub-Inspector, Construction, Naval Station, St. Thomas, Virgin islands USA, December 31st 1933.”
The sugar estates are marked thereon complete with ownership, for instance we learn that R.A.L. Warneford owned Yeptons; Jacob Martin, De Witts (near Gray’s Hill); J.S. Macdonald, Judges, Giles Blizzards, and Green Island; George W. Tonge, Cherry Hill and so on.
Not only are estates marked, but also some of the leading residences, C. Pigott owned The Cottage (at Potters Village); E.H. Lake, Avon Dale (near Cedar Grove); Mary Athill, Hill House; and Douglas Ross, Mayfields to mention just a few.
All the estates and residences marked are now entered on the Museum’s database of historical people, so combining with other maps published throughout the centuries it is possible to trace ‘spot ownership’ throughout time.
The map and book may be purchased in the Museum’s Gift Shop. Do pass in and see all the other items of historical interest next time you are in town!
Satellite photograph of Antigua from 423 miles in space! Amazing clarity. With a magnifying glass much more detail could be seen. Inspect it today and buy.
11"x14" matted US$75
23.5x 17" framed US$190.