National Museum Opens ‘Stone’ Exhibit
The National Museum of Bermuda opened its latest exhibit, ‘Stone: From Bermuda to Charleston,’ which “features contemporary art by Bermudian architect and artist John Gardner, combined with historical insights.”
A spokesperson said, “On Thursday, November 7, a new exhibit at the National Museum of Bermuda [NMB] was officially opened by to a crowd of 80+ guests and Museum members. Senator the Honourable Owen Darrell, JP, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport and Acting US Consul General Vanja Vukota were in attendance.
“STONE: From Bermuda to Charleston, now on display at the National Museum of Bermuda [NMB], is not just an art show. It features contemporary art by Bermudian architect and artist John Gardner, combined with historical insights. The exhibit explores the legacy of Bermuda limestone and how it has shaped two distinct architectural worlds across the Atlantic: Bermuda’s iconic, white-roofed homes and Charleston, South Carolina’s historic structures built during the 17th and 18th centuries.
“Gardner’s artwork reinterprets the significance of Bermuda limestone, offering a fresh artistic perspective that blends modern creativity with historical insights. Central to the exhibit are triptychs of landscapes featuring Bermuda limestone, which present the material from three different viewpoints, encouraging visitors to explore its history from multiple perspectives and uncover its deeper connections to the Atlantic World.
“Despite its small size, Bermuda was a major Atlantic maritime player during the 1700s. With its large fleet of fast homebuilt ships, it served the commercial needs of its North American and Caribbean neighbours, including Charleston, South Carolina. During this time period, Bermuda sloops brought vast quantities of limestone to Charleston.
‘In addition to the triptychs, the installation includes maquettes inspired by Bermudian stonecutters, honoring the skilled artisans who shaped the island’s architectural legacy. This multidisciplinary approach highlights how Bermuda limestone, widely known for its use in local homes, also shaped Charleston’s seawalls, courtyards, plantations and homes in the 18th century. By presenting the same material in various contexts, STONE reveals the cultural and architectural links between these two regions, providing new insights into the stone’s far-reaching impact.”
John Gardner shared: “I want to re-engage an appreciation of Bermuda stone by applying an interpretive and visual lens. It has been revealing to appreciate the material, as it appears so differently, in Bermuda and Charleston. The act of rendering and interpreting the material and its context visually has breathed life into understanding its quiet presence. Thank you to Bermuda Arts Council for their support, and Larry Mills, Carl Coppola and Justin Schwebler for helping to inspire and make this exhibit a reality. I am thrilled to partner with the National Museum of Bermuda on this unique project that combines artwork and historical context.”
A spokesperson added, “Located in the historic Commissioner’s House, STONE provides an immersive experience where visitors can engage with Gardner’s artwork alongside historical panels, archival imagery, and video interviews. Interactive elements, including QR codes linking to archival footage, augment the narrative by showcasing the skilled labor of masons and stonecutters who contributed to the construction of both Bermuda’s and Charleston’s built environments.”
NMB Curator Dr. Deborah Atwood shared: “Art and history are intricately intertwined; art offers a unique lens through which we can explore and reinterpret the past. We are excited to showcase John Gardner’s work at the Museum, inspired by historical research from Justin Schwebler, Property Manager at the Historic Charleston Foundation. Schwebler’s Master’s thesis brought to light the use of Bermuda limestone, what he calls ‘the forgotten stone’, in Charleston. As both an artist and an architect, Gardner brings a multifaceted perspective to the exhibit, emphasising the architectural significance of Bermuda limestone across the Atlantic. By bridging the gap between history, architecture, and creative expression, his work invites a broader audience to explore the complex relationships and experiences that have shaped Bermuda and the Atlantic World through the lens of this humble stone.”
A spokesperson added, “STONE is now showing and will be on display until November 7, 2025.”
Photos courtesy of Blair Raughley Masters
A triptych by John Gardner in the Stone exhibit
Artist John Gardner in the exhibit
John Gardner shares the exhibit with Acting US Consul General Vanja Vukota
John Gardner and his family
Acting US Consul General Vanja Vukota, Artist John Gardner, NMB Curator Dr. Deborah Atwood, Senator the Honourable Owen Darrell, JP, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, and NMB Executive Director Elena Strong
Read More About
Category: All, Entertainment, History, News
