An exciting array of West Indian and Caribbean collectibles is now available at Eleanor Gibneys new shop, Virgin Vintage, which opened to much local fanfare on Monday, April 10, in Mongoose Junction.
St. John native Gibney has been an avid collector of West Indies memorabilia her entire life and is now offering some of her treasured possessions to the public for a limited time only.
Lifelong Collector
Ive been collecting all my life, but most of this stuff I acquired in the past four to five years, she said. I used to search antique and vintage stores in New England, but now, with the internet, its a lot easier to find old West Indies pieces and antiques.
Gibney first offered pieces of her collection to the public at two sales held at Caravan Gallery last year.
Those sales were really popular, she said. I was talking about doing another one, but I realized that I really had a lot of stuff. Then Rhada (Speer, owner of Caravan Gallery) said that this space was open, so I decided to go ahead and put my things in here.
From early 20th century books about the West Indies to original watercolors by Norton Foster created in the 1950s, Gibney has a vast array of antiques and collectibles for sale at affordable prices.
Also available are hand-made Caribbean dresses dating from the 1960s, cruise line memorabilia from the 1920s, hand-colored lithographs and a large selection of vintage Caribbean tablecloths.
Other interesting pieces include magazines from the 1950s with articles and pictures about St. John. Keep an eye out for new pieces too, as Gibney offers more from her collection.
I will be bringing in more merchandise all the time, so there will always be new things, Gibney said.
More than just a special treat for any fan of vintage West Indies merchandise, Gibney enjoys sharing her collection.
I get pleasure out of having these things for a while, and I get pleasure from sharing them too, she said. I can also sell a few things so that I can buy more.
Virgin Vintage, open Mondays through Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m., is located upstairs at Mongoose Junction, across from St. John Insurance.