The Masterworks Foundation received a special 20th anniversary present straight from Buckingham Palace.

Prince Charles donated one of his very own artist's proofs to Masterworks in celebration of the Foundation's second decade.

The Prince of Wales, who has been the principal patron of Masterworks for the last four years and is an accomplished artist, donated an artist's proof of his watercolour, 'Wensleydale from Moorcock' to be auctioned off at a Masterworks fundraising event.

The starting bid for the piece will be $6,000. Early bids will be accepted via telephone before the auction.

"What a wonderful 20th birthday gift," said Masterworks Foundation director Tom Butterfield. "I am absolutely thrilled with this very generous gift from Prince Charles, who once again shows his support for what we are to accomplish in the Botanical Gardens.

"This kind-hearted gesture helps us along our journey to create a museum for all of Bermuda filled with Bermudian art, and to offer quality art education to everyone. Museums are for people."

An artist's proof has special value because of its extra rarity and its possible differences from the 'standard' print.

They are a special subset of the regular limited edition. Traditionally, artist's proofs number ten percent or less of the total edition, are signed by the artist, and may be numbered with the serial number of that portion of the edition.

These proofs are generally considered a status symbol in the world of art collecting and their resale value is proportionally higher than the numbered editions, according to www.novaspace.com.