Arts column: An insight into the more rural and tranquil Bermuda

Donald Kirkpatrick arrived in Bermuda in the 20’s as an architect with Will Onions. The island then had no formal arts groups of any sort. 

As an American he must have thought it strange that this beautiful island would be so lacking in artistic structure. 

He was one of the founding members of the Bermuda Society of Arts during the 50’s. Prior to that, he did many etchings on copper plates during the 30’s and 40’s. 

He also was a prolific watercolourist. 

All of this, along with Bermudian architecture, suited him very well. His home and studio was located on Crawl Hill. 

Known as Landmark, it is now a restaurant and the studio of another well-known Bermuda artist, Otto Trott, is on the property. 

When, in 1988 when the Kirkpatrick family decided to leave Bermuda as Miles Kirkpatrick, Donald’s son, was unable to inherit the home, they gave many of his watercolours and etching plates to Masterworks under the guidance of Mr Ernest “Tinker” Young. The family had kindly given permission for Masterworks to reproduce as limited edition prints some 20 images, which have served as a profitable fundraiser over the years. 

We are thankful they did not end up in Tynes Bay as so many other “treasures” we suspect did!

Collectively, the work of Donald Kirkpatrick gives an insight into a more rural, agricultural and tranquil Bermuda.