renovation work on the Commissioner's House project at Dockyard.

Nine artists submitted 14 drawings and paintings influenced by the structure which were auctioned off at the City Hall's Edinburgh Gallery last Friday.

The art work will be on display at the gallery, together with a collection of antique artifacts found on the site, until August 7.

Jacqueline Horsfield, director of development at the Maritime Museum, said: "The interest of the artists was inspirational and it was great to get a different part of the community involved.

"We hope to have the house in use next year -- it's in the final phase of development now.

"But the success of the project relies on the generosity of the community -- that's the only funding we receive and we depend on their support.

"Bermuda is famed for it's generosity and we have an amazing range of donors -- but for this phase of the project we still need to find $3 million.'' The cash raised from Friday night's auction will be split between the Maritime Museum and the Bermuda Society of Arts, with the artists also taking a cut from the proceedings.