Arts Column: A momento of Tucker’s stay

Tucker was a member of the venerable Tucker family who played such an important role in the development of Bermuda. Other Tucker relatives included Col. Henry Tucker who was President of the Governor’s Council and a key participant in the famous Gunpowder Plot during the American Revolution. Thomas’ branch of the family established its roots in Somerset and this building was a typical  “grand” home in the 1700s.  The house’s current name is “Aberfeldy” and is the home of Mr and Mrs Christopher Astwood. 

Jauncy Outerbridge Esq was also a member of the Tucker family , so we romantically think that Thomas came to Bermuda for a visit with his relative and commemorated his stay with this picture. As Tucker had immigrated to Virginia with his family, this lovely watercolour was a memento and an artistic “photograph” of his roots-before photography allowed us to record their reminisces. Luckily, it stayed in the United States for many years, so that when we acquired it, the painting was in pristine condition, even to the point that a sheet of tissue used to protect the work reproduced the mirror image when removed- sort of like the “Shroud of Turin”!

Elise Outerbridge is curator at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. bermudamasterworks.com