Most people know Teddy Richards for his catering and elegant cooking, but after collecting antiques for 30 years, he opened the Seven Flags Museum a few months in downtown Christiansted. Now he can host events, cater and display elegant antiques at the same time.
He considers his ability to spot beautiful and valuable antiques, as a “gift from God.” Many of the items are not for sale because they are so unique.
“They’re one of a kind,” Richards said, referring to one of the large armoires he says is one of his favorite pieces. That wardrobe and other heavy furniture won’t be moved “until Jesus comes,” he added.
Richards’ collections include dozens of fine china plates from around the world. Around a dozen moko jumbies – adults and children – overwhelm the senses with color and size, at the entrance to the museum. There are clocks that run on batteries, representing each time zone, in the main room. They are reset before each event.
The collection of teapots, in another room, is extensive and includes a hot beverage receptacle from Egypt.
Other collections, displayed in highly-polished furniture cases and groupings, are from Denmark, England, France and America and were either donated or purchased on St Croix. One piece of furniture is identical to a cupboard seen in the historical-drama television series, “The Crown,” Richards told the Source.
The collection of shoes, in the back room, includes vintage boots, fashion heels, cowboy boots and antique shoe molds. There also are mugs shaped like shoes and a glass table set on an ornate black mid-sized heel from the last century.
A collector leaving St. Croix gave Richards “thousands” of ceramic hands and only about five percent are on display. He plans to rotate the statues.
The sugar mill room includes renderings from the sugar mill period. There is a big dinner bell that Richards uses to get attention during exhibitions.
A single statue – a large head – rests on top of one of the large armoires. Richards said it came from the iconic Violette Boutique, a local boutique that sold exclusive perfumes.
The Seven Flags Museum is open to the public. General admission to is a $7 donation. Adults with disabilities and senior citizens over the age of 60, are admitted free. People can also schedule private tours.
Annual memberships are $70 for an individual or $270 for a family. Members qualify for free admission, complimentary admission for a guest, quarterly newsletters, early access to exhibition tours and member-only events. Members also enjoy priority reservations for pop-up events.
