Heart of the Art in Barbados

Coveted for its immaculate beaches, unrelenting sunshine and cosmopolitan vibe, Barbados is also revered for the affable locals who take great pride in welcoming guests from all over the planet.

Working in his studio on a picturesque hillside overlooking Bridgetown, Reggie Medford is one of those friendly locals, a self-taught artist and one of the Barbados natural treasures. His gallery aptly named ‘Medford Craft World’ showcases the distinctive sculptures he crafts from local mahogany wood. Ideal as gifts for your sweetie or for the entire bridal party, a visit to Reggie’s studio is one of the most popular pit stops on the island. Historically, all the plantation houses in Barbados would use this type of wood for their furnishing, he said polishing one of his masterpieces, “When I entered this trade I found myself using only mahogany and have used it for the past thirty-six years with absolutely no regret”.
A labor of love for the gracious sculptor, he was once a student of the sciences but followed his heart to the world of art. Growing up in a family of doctors and lawyers, it was assumed he would follow the same path, however, after graduating from school with degrees in biology and chemistry; he took a leap into the artistic arena. “During my last year of school, I was getting prepared for exams when I realized that I would rather work for myself, because too many people are not doing what they want to do,” he remembers.

Reggie Medford has carved out a life and a legacy and is delighted to share his vision with visitors to the island, “travelers should be able to see unique sites, eat unique foods and purchase unique gifts,” he adds proudly, “and that is just what they do when they visit my shop.”

Save The Date

Crop Over is the annual summer festival that is a must-see for tourists with a yen for a slice of local life. Originating hundreds of year ago when Barbados was the world’s largest producer of sugar, Crop Over lights up the island all summer with street parties, concerts and sexy pageants. Fan favorites include the Road Monarch where calypso reigns supreme, uber-lively Morning Jump-Up and the Grand Kadooment that thrills and chills with musicians dressed in elaborate costumes. Bring your camera for a shutterbug opportunity par excellence.

The name says it all and from November 16 to 19, the island will be abuzz with the Food and Wine & Rum Festival. Sumptuous and savory, the annual fete celebrates the Bajan tradition of rum with tastings, competitions and a bar-b-cruise. Book early, tickets sell out faster than a cold beer on a sunny afternoon. www.foodwinerum.com/

A Window Seat

American Airlines flies nonstop from New York, Miami and San Juan and Dallas-Fort Worth to Grantley Adams International Airport (BGI). www.aa.com.
JetBlue Airways flies daily nonstop from New York’s JFK. www.jetblue.com. US Airways offer nonstop service once a week from Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). www.usair.com

Get in Touch

For tourism information, click www.barbados.org/

For more information on Reggie’s art, http://medfordcraftworld.com/