A collection of portraits of some of Bermuda's "History Makers'', dating from the 1970s and formerly part of an exhibit at the now defunct Bermuda Museum in Bailey's Bay, is being offered for sale.

Worked in pastels by Chinese artist, Esther Dai, they represent a fascinating gallery of Bermudians from all walks of life.

Mrs. June Augustus, who has decided to sell the pictures, says that the artist was a friend of hers, who worked from photographs. As former proprietor of the Bermuda Museum, Mrs. Augustus says: "I think our idea was ahead of its time! Nowadays, everyone is more interested in Bermuda's history. We tried to keep the museum open, but it was just too expensive. Now, I am trying to re-coup at least some of the money I spent on the portraits.'' Mrs. Peggy Burns is acting as agent in selling the pictures and she says that part of her proceeds from the sale will be donated to charity.

"I have been trying to unite as many portraits with their original models as possible,'' says Mrs. Burns, "or at least with their families or friends. All of the portraits are in pastel and charcoal, and after 20 or so years, are all in perfect condition.'' She admits she has a feeling of "protectiveness'' towards the pictures and expresses the wish that the collection could be bought as a whole, possibly for one of the Island's schools.

The total of 50 works by Ms Dai include pictures of many well known Bermudians who have since passed into history. They include Premiers, Sir Henry Tucker and Sir Edward Richards, musician Mr. Lance Hayward, founder of Beacon House, Lady Hall, educator Mr. Robert Crawford, Dr. Eustace Cann, Mrs. Ruth Seaton James, former MP Mr. Russell Levi Pearman and the artist Mr. Charles Lloyd Tucker.

Other Bermuda figures who were captured for posterity some 20 years ago include Sir James Astwood, cedar craftsman Mr. Chesley Trott, broadcaster Mrs.

Shirley Dill, former Premier Sir David Gibbons, cricket great Mr. Alma (Champ) Hunt, lawyer Mrs. Dianna Kempe, writer Mr. Cyril Packwood, former Premier Sir Jack Sharpe, Dr. Beresford Swan, Cultural Affairs officer Ms Ruth Thomas, Mrs.

Gloria McPhee, and diver Mr. Teddy Tucker.

There is also one pastel portrait of Mrs. Marlene Landy by the well-known Bermuda artist, Diana Tetlow.

Although most of the pictures are portraits, there are several "narrative'' scenes, such as the Hibiscus Club's Hat Show, Place's Gombey Troupe, children playing with pet goats, a horse and carriage and several group pictures.

Any organisation or individual interested in receiving further information on the complete list of pictures, should contact Mrs. Peggy Burns at 292-1398.