It all started with the fact that three of America’s most admired artists – Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe and Andrew Wyeth – had visited Bermuda, each creating distinct but spectacular depictions of the island. Masterworks was born out of the dream of returning these artworks to the land that inspired them – the ‘repatriation’ of Bermuda art. The idea was ambitious, but passion, patience, and perseverance meant that the dream soon gave way to a reality.

For years, the Masterworks Foundation was nomadic, popping up wherever exhibitable space was available. The collection was growing and with it grew the diversity of perspectives and interpretations of Bermuda it encompassed. Within a decade, it was clear that a home for these treasures was needed. Then Premier, Dame Jennifer Smith, and a former Masterworks volunteer, offered the collection a coveted location in the Botanical Gardens. It was a challenge to take a nineteenth century arrowroot factory and convert it into a state-of-the-art museum, but in 2008 the museum opened its doors.

Over thirty years later, Masterworks has kept its focus on its original mission: to discover new interpretations of our island and to preserve and display Bermuda art for generations to come. From Homer to O’Keeffe, Hartley to Pleissner and Morley to Twain, the collection boasts a wide spectrum of creativity. However, as our reach expanded, so did our endeavours. Today, Masterworks offers educational programming for all ages, and hosts exciting contemporary exhibitions in the Rick Faries Gallery, a dedicated space, alongside our Permanent Collection, for working artists to exhibit works for sale. This allows us to nurture and showcase local artists, and promote art and culture within the community.

THE BUILDING

After 21 years of individual and corporate support, in March 2008 the Masterworks opened Bermuda’s first purpose-built museum. Located in the Botanical Gardens, the building was originally an arrowroot factory built in the mid nineteenth century. Masterworks renovated this historic building between 2004 and 2008, turning it into a state-of-the-art, 16,000-square-foot museum. Part of the remaining original structure is home to the Arrowroot Shop, which features unique items including local art and crafts. The new building hosts the Butterfield and Rick Faries Galleries, art storage facilities, a classroom, members’ lounge, and a café.

WHAT IS ARROWROOT?

Arrowroot was introduced to England in the 18^th century and while it was once a common crop in Bermuda, it is now rarely produced. Due to the plant being used in widely different areas of the world, the product is typically distinguished by its country of origin. However, because Bermuda arrowroot was formerly the finest, it is now the name of others with similarly high quality. Arrowroot is a starchy root vegetable that grows into the ground. Once harvested, soaked in water, dried, and made into a powder, it can be used for a variety of things, from strengthening teeth to baking cookies.