One family's quest to promote Barbados' local crafts - Best of Barbados

Best if Barbados is a unique chain of gift shops with the largest variety of attractive local craft, gift-ware and art on the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados. Featuring prints and designs from the company’s founder, artist Jill Walker, and a wide choice of the imaginative work of numerous talented Barbadians.

Established 50 years ago, now boasting 5 super gift shops on the island. Taking pride in providing customers with distinctive merchandise that is made or designed in Barbados, while also creating a happy shopping environment with a warm, friendly Bajan smile.

So if you’re lucky enough to be on this magical isle, or you’re packing furiously to visit or to depart, be sure to visit a Best of Barbados Gift Shop.

Jimmy and Jill Walker, opened their first shop in 1975 at the Sandpiper Inn in Holetown. In Barbados, at that time, local handicraft was very limited and unemployment high, this shop encouraged local craft by selling only things made in Barbados.

Jill was always going to her art studio in the morning as her children left for school, reappearing only as they returned home. She would excitedly tell all about her new ideas and pictures, of course, after hearing all about the children's day.

The first shop did so well and Jill's products and designs were very well received that weekends were spent packing on the dining room table and staging the shop window displays.

In the early 1980’s 2 daughters, Charlotte and Sarah, became involved with the growing number of shops, and with the screen printing and picture framing studios opened.

In the late 1980s, Sue the youngest daughter now married, returned from a year travelling the world, ready for new challenges. Over 30 years later, she is still enjoying the ever changing life that is the Best of Barbados story…

The artistic flow did not leave with the passing of Jill, Sue has continued the family tradition introducing "Turtle Tracks Family", a magical series of fun, fact-filled books, plush toys and accessories that cultivate curiosity, a love of learning and a desire in young children to care for the environment.

Sue Trew's newest collection - Gators Galore is a story featuring "Giz" the young alligator who was born in the book Manatee Magic. One day he finds himself washed away in flood waters and into an adventure!

All books are beautifully written and delightfully illustrated with hand painted watercolours by Barbados artist, Sue Trew. The original artworks depict the featured animals in each story in a natural, realistic style that gives a whimsical and enchanted feeling.

With 5 stored located around the island you are sure to be able to come across at least one, Quayside, Chattel Village, and The Gap. If you miss one of these 3 you are covered as the Cruise and Airport Terminals each contain another location.

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