Art-Filled, Historic Colleton House to open this Saturday

On Saturday, January 7, from 2:30 to 5:30, the Barbados National Trust invites the public to visit Colleton House, St. Peter, as part of its Open House Programme. 

 

Established in the mid-17th century, Colleton is an exemplar of Barbados’ rich and tangled history. Its first owner was Sir John Colleton (1608-1667) a Royalist, who played a major part in raising an army to defend Charles I. Fleeing Cromwell’s wrath in 1647, he bought a sugar plantation and moved to Barbados. When the monarchy was restored, his faithful service was rewarded with a Knighthood. 

 

Colleton then played the lead role in the plans for exploration of the Carolinas by The Barbados Adventurers in 1665, leading to the settlement of Charleston in 1670.  He was one of the eight Lords Proprietors of Carolina, and established strong ties between there and Barbados. These ties have been commemorated in the twinning of Charleston and Speightstown. 

 

In recent years, Colleton was the home of the extraordinary Australian geologist, Frank Rickwood, whose oil discoveries – often made on foot in hostile environments – changed several economies across the world. According to The Australian, “He was the man for whom a British Petroleum public relations writer originally coined the phrase ‘the quiet achiever’ – a slogan later used worldwide in the company’s advertising campaigns.”

 

His art collection spans the diverse cultures he encountered and includes one of the world’s greatest collections of astonishing primitive work from Papua New Guinea, which will be on view today. There are also paintings and sculptures from Europe, South America and Asia. A distinguishing mark is the numerous examples of black people in Western art – quite an irony considering the house’s first owner.  This is a rare opportunity to see it, and to reflect on the impact of two remarkable men who owned this substantial property. 

 

The house itself is a Palladian gem that has been added to over the years. With ample grounds, an architecturally important Regency period stable complex, a charming guest cottage and a cliff-top view over the west coast; Colleton is a treat to visit. 

As part of the “Lively Lecture” series, Garry Burke will speak at 3:15 about his fascinating uncle, how he came to make his home at Colleton, and why the Queen personally honoured him with an OBE aboard the royal yacht, Britannia.   

 

For decades, Open House has taken place only on Wednesdays. Along with others during the season, this Saturday opening makes it possible for those who cannot attend during the week to come and enjoy the experience. There will be 

reduced prices for tertiary students with ID and for children.

 

To get to Colleton House, choose your favourite route to Speightstown and then go north along the coast on Highway 1B.  After the Six Men’s Bay fishing village, the road swings uphill and to the right. Stay on it and look for “Open House” parking signs. 

For further information, please phone the Barbados National Trust at 426-2421.