Nicholas Lusher, owner and director of Bermuda's newest gallery, Nicholas Lusher Art and Antiques, said the business' initial sales have been very encouraging.

"With one-third of works of art on offer sold within the first three weeks, plus what I believe to be a record on the Island of $3,900 paid for a photograph, I hope the response keeps up,'' Mr. Lusher said.

Several people attended an official opening held at the gallery last Friday.

Mr. Lusher, the former director of Harbour Gallery on Pitts Bay Road, has operated as a private art dealer for over ten years.

Nicholas Lusher Art and Antiques, located on the Church Street side of Washington Mall, is Bermuda's first independent commercial art space specialising in late nineteenth and early twentieth century Bermuda-related art, Mr. Lusher said.

Previously, the Island's art market has largely been driven by contemporary art, he said.

`It is my intention to offer an alternative to the way art is traditionally sold in Bermuda -- an alternative that makes customers fully at home with the gallery.'' BUSINESS BUC