A fascinating autobiography and unique record of Barbadian life and architecture over almost 50 years. A large hard backed coffee table book of 160 pages, lavishly filled with over 400 paintings, photographs and drawings, many of them previously unpublished. It tells the story of a young Englishwomen who decided to leave the UK in the early fifties to seek her fortune as an artist, who bought a one-way ticket on a freighter to South America, who met her future husband on the very first night she arrived and who came to Barbados initially in 1956 as a result of a hurricane. It is also the colourful story of how she and her architect husband, Jimmy, in 1975 against all advice, embarked on building up the Best of Barbados Gift Shops to promote local handicraft, from their home in Barbados.

Comments received by Jill on "Jill Walker's BARBADOS"

I .... couldn't keep my nose out of it until I had devoured the whole delicious book!

I want to say how enchanted I am with your book... in particular the almost fable-like "early days".

When in Barbados I bought your book and just had to let you know how much I have enjoyed it.

When it's cold and raining here, I only have to open the pages to take me back to lovely sunny Barbados. (from a UK reader)

Thank you for such a lovely book.

I want you to know how much I am enjoying your wonderful book.

I have just finished reading your enchanting book about like in Barbados.

I couldn't put the book down and when I did I found myself returning to it almost every day!

We are thrilled with your book - it's beautifully produced and all the pictures look gorgeous. Well done! We shall treasure our copy.

Your wonderful book arrived the other day and I devoured it that very day - didn't even have time to do my daily crosswords.

So many congratulations to you for a wonderful production which is giving us so much pleasure.

Yesterday I indulged myself by reading your beautiful book from cover to cover. The illustrations are ravishing... but also I was fascinated to read the Jill Walker story - so modest as always, but so rich and full and rewarding in every dimension.

Our book arrived just in time for Christmas. What a delight! A wonderful compilation of Jill's art and your personal story.

I read your book from cover to cover and promptly read it again! It is a masterpiece, beautifully written and profoundly illustrated with your magnificent drawings and paintings; the work of a perfectionist in every detail.

What a delight to have a copy of your autobiography! I've been weeping tears of nostalgia and will treasure it.

Having this very moment finished your wonderful autobiography I want you to know from a "fan" how much I have enjoyed it.

Your book is marvelous. Quite, marvelous. It positively exudes the spirit of this unique Caribbean island.

"Jill Walker's BARBADOS" is an absolute delight to read and should bring joy and evoke fond memories for all who do so. A collector's item if ever there was one!

As I suspected, my mother was absolutely thrilled with the book and both she and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading and rereading it! It has also been much admired by friends who know Barbados.

No doubt Peter passed on my absolute delight on receiving "The Book"! It is absolutely superb!