When the Bermuda Craft Market first opened its doors nine years ago this month, in the old Cooperage building, Dockyard was still "a wasteland''.

Now, the Market's display of exclusively Bermudian fare is one of the biggest attractions in a complex that has become a popular tourist attraction.

A total of about 56 craftsmen, as well as many local products are showcased on a daily basis.

Mrs. Judith Faram, one of the founding members of the Market, who serves on the committee of management, says: "We've persevered and now, for a country this size, we have a huge variety of local craft and products all under one roof for visitors to browse thro ugh and buy.'' The concept of the Craft Market goes back to the winter of 1974, when a group of small manufacturers and artisans were featured in an exhibition sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce as part of their promotion of the Island's winter `Rendezvous Season'.

"We certainly allowed people to sell their products; however, it was the demonstration of the art and skills of the craftsmen that interested and entertained our visitors,'' explains Audrey Brackstone.

For that reason, that Tourism agreed to help the Chamber in providing this attraction on a year-round basis, providing a permanent home at Dockyard. To cover rent, the Craft Market pays a percentage of all sales proceeds to WEDCO.

This percentage system, says Mrs. Faram, "helps us through the lean months when there are not too many visitors.'' She explains that work or products have to be submitted to a committee which judges quality and saleability.

"We try not to duplicate items to ensure that there is plenty of variety.

There is nothing in this market that does n't sell. I think another reason for our success is that we have items at all prices, from one or two dollars, up to $100 or more. Tourists do like to take souvenirs home that are genuinely Bermudian, made by people who really love their craft, instead of that label `Made in Taiwan'. That's probably one of the reasons why we also get very loyal support from locals as well.'' Looking back over the years, she reflects: "We've had some worrying moments, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I have lived in many different countries and I do know, from experience, that all tourists love this sort of thing. I think it helps Bermuda enormously, and helps our visitors see how we really live, how we spend our time, and to see what we create and produce.'' She is proud of the fact that the Craft Market was the pioneer retailer at Dockyard. "Now, everyone else is pouring in. This is obviously good in one sense, but I think it has rather destroyed what I understood to be the original concept of Dockyard -- that it would be a place to buy things that you couldn't find in the rest of Bermuda.'' There is certainly a wide variety of items on show, ranging from jewellery to gourmet foods; perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this local enterprise is the increasingly high quality of the products.

Cedar carving and sculpture is represented, for instance, by the well-known artist, Chesley Trott. There are stained glass mirrors, wall panels and ornaments by Christa Leduc and Charles Nicotra and hand-thrown pottery by Jonathan Northcott. Jewellery creations by Don and Francis Mason, fashioned in gold and silver wire and semi-precious stones have just won them a special commendation in the 1995 Australian Gem Competition.

There are exquisite quilts and pillowcases designed especially for children by Ann McAvay, and some striking decoupage pictures from Shirley Tuzo. Colourful candles with a Bermudian theme are made by Jane Downing who uses moulds made from real shells and corals, while Joan Hebberd makes a speciality of pressed local flowers framed as pictures for her `Bermuda Florart'.

Maria Smith displays sand dollars and sand Christmas tree balls, her daughter, Heidi, sells hand-made jewellery, while Jack and Celia Arnell have a unique collection of cedar miniature furniture on sale.

From the beginning, the Bermuda Society for the Blind and `The Crafty Bunch' from St. Brendan's, have been encouraged to sell their work there. Also popular are Kitten Ellison's hand-painted clothing, designed for children from six months to adults.

Unique jewellery at the Dockyard Craft Market