Ever wondered if your ancestors were artistic? A new reference book could help you find out.

Author Jonathan Land Evans has completed the first volume of an encyclopedia on the art history of the Island and two copies are available to view at Bermuda National Library.

He describes the book, which is not available to buy, as an "alphabetical-entry reference work giving information on hundreds of Bermuda artists, up to about 1953".

Mr. Evans said: "Bermudian members of the public may well be interested to look up their family surnames to see if any of their ancestors were artistically active, since quite a few certainly were, though largely forgotten about today.

"A second volume will follow in the fullness of time. These two encyclopedia volumes are based on the extensive ongoing research for my three-volume history of 'Bermuda in Painted Representation' which the Bermuda Maritime Museum Press is hoping to publish in due course."

Mr. Evans hopes the public can help him gain further information on local amateur and professional artists, including telling him which paintings, drawings and other art works they have in their possession.

l Anyone with information should send an e-mail to jonathanevans36@hotmail.com.