New Beginnings
Roland Richardson Gallery Museum reopened post Irma March 2019
“There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places have their moments…
In my life I loved them all”
John Lennon
Paul McCartney
1965
Roland Richardson Marigot Museum 2019
When Garry Duell, Publisher of Visit SXM, asked us to be part of their 2022 magazine, we hesitated because our Marigot gallery museum has been closed throughout the pandemic economy. Garry emphatically encouraged us when he said, “Sir Roland Richardson is an icon for St. Martin. His work encompasses all that is beautiful and everything most loved here. He has painted St. Martin’s natural phenomena for over 50 years and created a treasure representing all its goodness. Through the turbulence, Roland’s body of work preciously represents St. Martin’s most peaceful state and spirit of rejuvenation as an island destination.”
Roland painting at Chateau Cay, April 2019, photo by Magic of the Caribbean
In March 2020, Roland became severely ill with bi-lateral pneumonia and was medevacked to Naples, Florida for specialized treatment while day after day the world succumbed to the unfathomable tragedy of COVID-19. Everywhere on the planet, families were suffering as we were; 6 million global citizens have since died.
Roland Richardson, La Samanna, January 2022
We are among the fortunate. Roland’s health greatly improved but we knew we could not reopen our 30-year gallery effort in Marigot even after our substantial devotion to reopen post-Irma. Roland’s doctors in Naples, Florida emphasized the importance of remaining close to manage his condition. To help Roland recover and continue his lifelong work, we took a small studio in the Naples Art District so that he would enjoy a professional space during our time in Florida.
Roland Richardson Studio, Artisans Plaza, Naples, Florida 2021
Roland was born 77 years ago on St. Martin in the Richardson family home at #8 rue de Republique, attached to our Marigot gallery museum located at #6 rue de la Republique. His first memories include playing in the courtyard garden that has flourished over 100 years. Creating our gallery museum was driven by Roland’s passion for this beautiful historic landmark that has been in his family for centuries.
6 rue de la Republique, Marigot Courtyard Garden
Marigot Courtyard Garden and 18th century solder’s barracks, photos by Eleonore Astier-Petin 2019
It has been an important priority to Roland that we try to continue our special engagement in Marigot. We are very happy to share that as of January 2022, we established Roland Richardson Heritage Association to work in partnership with the French Collectivite, our local SXM government. We are currently assessing the viability of transitioning our gallery into a national heritage house honoring Roland’s lifelong contribution to St. Martin’s patrimony and ensuring the preservation of this rare historic landmark for generations to come. This transition could take a year with many challenges ahead. We will keep you posted on our progress!
Roland Richardson Marigot Museum 2019
For the new 2022 season, visitors to St. Martin can enjoy a magnificent exhibition of Sir Roland’s artworks at Belmond La Samanna resort. Roland has resumed his fascinating talks and demonstrations about Light, Color and Art on special occasions, surrounded by his glorious artworks in La Samanna’s Rendezvous Pavilion Conference Center. These historic events have been posted on the website for registration and have been a great success. We will continue this ten-year dedication whenever possible throughout our period of transition. We are grateful for the generous support of La Samanna’s outstanding management for hosting these fascinating events.
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La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel | Luxury St. Martin Resorts
Roland’s demonstration on Light and Color, January 2022, La Samanna Rendezvous Pavilion
La Samanna Sunset January 2022
Roland’s artwork is also featured in a lovely exhibition at the award-winning French restaurant L’Auberge Gourmande in Grand Case. We have greatly enjoyed a professional working relationship and genuine friendship with owner, Pascal Narmes, for over 25 years. Pascal proudly presents our new season’s collection in their beautifully restored Creole landmark on Boulevard de Grand Case, the central avenue through this charming former fishing village.
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HOME | L'Auberge Gourmande
L’Auberge Gourmande, January 2022, Grand Case
We deeply appreciate everyone’s encouragement while we navigate our future for the precious years ahead. Our website is always a wonderful source to view Sir Roland’s creations and the best way to contact us directly.
Thank you!