WHEN asked to participate in Raising the Roof: A Celebration of Art, a fund-raising auction for the Anglican Cathedral that takes place today, artist Vernon Clarke was intrigued for a variety of reasons.

The challenge presented - to produce original works using pieces of copper from the church's old roof - agreed with his views on conservation and recycling, while the idea that he might assist in the restoration of one of the island's historic structures appealed to him on a more personal level.

Copper Tops, a pair of tables constructed of copper and recycled wood, are the result of the more than 120 hours he laboured over the project.

"I was glad to be involved," he said. "It's my Cathedral. It's everybody's Cathedral. And I did it for the glory of the Cathedral. Just the other day I was walking along Marsh Folly Road and caught a glimpse of it. With the finished roof it looks beautiful now and, over the next 100 years, as the copper ages, it will get even more beautiful."

The Church Street landmark was constructed and granted the status of Cathedral in 1894, enabling Hamilton to become a city. It has since served as an integral part of Bermuda's heritage, both as a place of worship and as an historical monument. The new roof is expected to preserve the building for another 60 to 80 years.

The unique fund-raiser was organised to offset the huge financial burden left after the building's copper roof was replaced. Cathedral authorities presented artists and members of the community with pieces of copper sheeting from the old roof, asking that they rework them into functional pieces of art. The finished designs promise something for everyone from the art connoisseur to those merely interested in taking home a piece of Bermuda's history.

"I was happy to be part of it," said Mr. Clarke. "I liked the idea of something that was functional but artistic. It falls in line with the focus of my current work. I also believe in recycling, reusing and conserving.

"The copper, of course, represents a very firm link with the past, having spent eight decades on the roof of the Cathedral of the Most Holy Trinity. It also speaks of the need to conserve and recycle our precious resources. The wood I used on the table was also recycled.

"I renovated my home this summer and the wood - which I used for the legs and the tabletops - were from the windowsills. I wanted something to really tie the tables to Bermuda; something to say that this is Bermuda, no matter where they ended up. So I went hunting for antique maps which I had printed on vellum and sealed with resin to preserve their image."

The project presented its challenges, Mr. Clarke added.

"It was quite a bit of work for me even before I began making the tabletops. I didn't have any sheet metal tools and couldn't find any so I had to make an anvil, I had to make special hammers, and special bending, folding and rolling tools in order to create (the tables).

"And I was trying to create something unique but every time I came up with an idea I would see it somewhere else. But I'm pleased with the result."

The auction begins at 6 p.m at Bacardi International Limited on Pitts Bay Road. All are welcome.