Few artists can say their painting was deemed worthy of replacing a work by one of Italy’s most renowned 14th-century painters.

It’s a distinction Graham Foster can now claim. The Wreck of the Sea Venture, the oil on canvas presented by the National Museum of Bermuda to Queen Elizabeth II on her visit to the island in 2009, now hangs in place of an early 14th-century piece by the Sienese master Duccio.

Duccio’s triptych, which had hung in the Cumberland Art Gallery at Hampton Court Palace, is on loan to an exhibition that will soon open at The National Gallery in London, England.

The news came out of the blue. Mr Foster had not been apprised of his painting’s whereabouts since it was featured in Royal Gifts, an exhibit at Buckingham Palace almost a decade ago.

“It was a great surprise and it was very humbling to have my work hanging alongside paintings of this calibre and historical significance,” he said. “Some of these paintings I studied in art college. So that makes it all the more special.”

The Wreck of the Sea Venture was created alongside Hall of History, a 1,000-square-foot interior mural depicting five centuries of Bermudian history which Mr Foster painted at Commissioner’s House, part of the National Museum at Dockyard.

“The mural took three years to complete, and luckily its completion coincided with Bermuda’s 400th anniversary celebrations including a visit from [the Queen],” said Mr the artist, who worked simultaneously on The Wreck of the Sea Venture and a third painting – a gift for Helen and Richard Fraser, whose “generous sponsorship” had made the mural project possible.

His labour of love was officially unveiled by Her Majesty during her visit to the island that November.

Mr Foster said presenting his work to the Queen is a moment he will likely never forget.

“It’s pretty rare to see me in a suit, but I had to get spruced up to meet the Royal entourage, including Prince Phillip. I remember her descending the stairs of the mural in this aqua blue outfit that matched the colour of Bermuda’s water. As we greeted each other, I felt like I almost knew her already having grown up with her image all about,” he said.

“The first thing she said was, ‘This must have driven you mad.’ To which I responded, ‘Yes, I left part of my sanity in this room.’ I started showing her different scenes in the mural and, during one overenthusiastic sweep of my arm, came close to knocking her hat off, but luckily a diplomatic incident was avoided – although it would have been some good publicity in the British papers! I fondly remember our brief encounter, and it was an honour to meet [such a] remarkable woman.”

The Wreck of the Sea Venture then travelled back with Queen Elizabeth to the UK where it became part of the Royal Collection.

The Royal Gifts exhibition was curated by Sally Goodsir, assistant curator of Decorative Arts, Royal Collection Trust. The Wreck of the Sea Venture was one of approximately 120 items that went on display at Buckingham Palace, chosen from the thousands of items in the Royal Collection, and also featured in the accompanying book Royal Gifts.

“[The exhibit displayed] a selection of gifts given to Her Majesty the Queen from all corners of the globe during her 65-year reign,” Mr Foster said.

The Cumberland Art Gallery opened in 2014. Intended as “the heart” of the Royal Collection, it showcases work by Carravagio, Holbein and Gainsborough.

“In February 2025, I received notice that the painting had gone on display again, in humbling company,” he said.

“I never thought my work would be hung in the same room as masters. That's why it is extremely exciting. I had no idea it was coming. I thought that painting was in storage somewhere.”

• The Wreck of the Sea Venture is expected to hang at Cumberland Art Gallery through the summer. For more information visitshorturl.at/MalPe; www.grahamfoster.com/