A NEW exhibit, featuring original paintings and drawings of Dockyard from 1795 through the 1860s, opens at Commissioner's House at the Bermuda Maritime Museum tomorrow.

The images showcased as part of Depictions of Dockyard would take visitors back to "the halcyon days of 19th-century Dockyard" when Bermuda served as a vital Royal Navy outpost, museum curator Charlotte Andrews said.

"Each work reveals aspects of Dockyard's unique architecture and fascinating evolution," she said. "The work of artists Thomas Driver, Flag-Captain Michael Seymour, and Lieutenant-General Gaspard Le Marchant Tupper are on view, as well as pieces by other Royal Navy personnel and anonymous artists."

Watercolour images from the Fay and Geoffrey Elliott collection at the Bermuda Archives form part of the display as do pieces from the collections of the Maritime Museum.

Guest curator for the exhibit was William R. Cooke, one of the museum's long-time volunteer researchers.

Said Dr. Cooke: "Examining these drawings and paintings was an intriguing and exciting experience, allowing one to visualise the Dockyard during its development and heyday. Do not miss the thrill of discovery to be found during a careful analysis of these views."

Depictions of Dockyard is on display in the Fay and Geoffrey Elliott Room, on the top floor of Commissioner's House until next April. The museum is open daily, from 9.30 a.m. until 4.30 p.m. Adults, $7.50, seniors and students, $6.