St. Croix-born antique-collector Wayne James will, for the first time, present his private collection of bedroom furniture for public viewing in an exhibition entitled, "Sleeping with a Bachelor: The Antique Bedroom Furniture of Crucian Collector Wayne James." The much anticipated exhibition will open at historic Fort Frederik in Frederiksted on July 1 and run through Sept. 30. The exhibition will feature over 25 pieces of furniture dating from 1760 to 1860, along with a number of detailed items such as rare books, photographs, Persian rugs, crystal and paintings.
A rare bedroom piano with its original candelabras; one of the largest four-poster beds ever made; a newspaper desk with a jalousied compartment; and a bachelor's toy box are just a few of the unique items that will be on display. Then, of course, there will be the bedroom "must-haves" of a Crucian gentleman: a basin stand with pitcher and basin; a convenience chair and bidet; a cheval mirror and shaving stand; and a planter's chair. Many of the items boast provenances connected to some of the territory's oldest colonial families, including von Schimmelmann, Hagemann and von Plessen.
In addition to having inherited numerous pieces from his family, James has been collecting V.I. art and artifacts for over 25 years and today boasts one of the world's finest collections, which will one day be turned over to the people of the Virgin Islands in perpetuity.
James is no stranger to displaying the decorative arts of the Virgin Islands. In 2003, he completely refurnished the historic Whim Greathouse Museum with his personal collection of mahogany antiques as a fundraiser for the St. Croix Landmarks Society.
For more information on the upcoming exhibition, contact Evelyn Pena Felix at 772-2021.