The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art proudly welcomed the Duchess of Gloucester, royal patron of the museum, during her visit to the island.

The Duchess arrived at the museum on Friday, and was warmly received by Risa Hunter, the executive director, along with David Brown, the chairman of the board, and Tom Butterfield, the founder of Masterworks.

Andrew Murdoch, the Governor, joined her on the visit to the Paget gallery.

Mr Butterfield introduced the royal guest to the history and mission of Masterworks, highlighting its commitment to celebrating Bermuda-inspired art and artists.

The Duchess was treated to a tour of the museum, guided by Sara Thom, curator of the exhibition Multiplicity: Studies, Series and Prints in the Masterworks collection, alongside Mrs Hunter and Mr Butterfield.

The tour included a look into the Multiplicity display in the Butterfield Gallery and Charles Zuill: Portals to Another Dimension in the Rick Faries Gallery.

The Duchess also viewed key works from the collection and engaged with the curatorial team on the importance of contemporary art in Bermuda’s cultural landscape.

She then joined members of the museum’s staff and board for tea in the members’ lounge.

Refreshments were provided by The Botanist Café, and conversation centred on the museum’s future initiatives and community engagement plans.

The Duchess was presented with two gifts from the curator of contemporary art, Jasmine Lee, and the artist Alex Allardyce on behalf of the museum:

• Foot of the Lane, a watercolour print by Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, whose 1883 visit marked the first official royal visit to Bermuda and who remains a significant artistic figure in the island’s history

• Botanics I, a print by Alex Allardyce, inspired by the architectural details of the new Art & Design Centre — a contemporary reflection of Masterworks’ support of Bermudian artists

Mrs Hunter said of the occasion: “It was an absolute privilege to welcome Her Royal Highness to Masterworks.

“Her support is a tremendous honour and we were delighted to share with her the creative energy that continues to define Bermuda’s art scene.”

Masterworks issued a statement of “heartfelt gratitude to all who contributed to the success of this special visit, marking another meaningful chapter in the museum’s longstanding connection with the Royal Family and Bermuda’s vibrant artistic heritage”.