Photograph courtesy of Bernews.
Statement by Jennifer L. Phillips, Executive Director, Bermuda National Gallery:
It is with great sadness that we share news of the passing of acclaimed Bermudian artist Vivienne Gardner.
Vivienne found joy and fulfilment in drawing and painting from a very young age. Growing up in Bermuda, she studied sculpture with Canadian sculptor Byllee Lang before being accepted into the Cooper Union School of Art in New York City to study Fine Arts and Graphics.
Returning to Bermuda in the late 1950s, she enjoyed a decades-long career designing and making stained glass windows, which can be found in churches and private buildings both in Bermuda and abroad, and for which she will be most remembered. However, the full breadth of her artistic practice spanned numerous media, and she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Bermuda Arts Council in 1995.
In 2010, the Bermuda National Gallery presented an exhibition of her stained glass art, Vivienne J. Gardner: A Tribute, which was opened by the then Director of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Mr Thomas P. Campbell.
Upon retirement, Vivienne returned to painting, joining the Bermuda Plein Air Group as an incentive to paint from nature with like-minded friends. In May of this year, she was one of the artists who participated in the festivities here at the City Hall & Arts Centre, held to celebrate King Charles III’s visit to Bermuda, where she presented His Majesty with a copy of her 2008 book The Stained Glass Art of Vivienne Gardner.
BNG Chairman Gary L. Phillips adds, “Whilst undoubtedly best known for her stained glass windows across the island, Vivienne Gardner refused to be defined only by that medium, as evidenced by her extensive creations in sculptures, mosaics, paintings and drawings. We salute Vivienne, gracious and humble in every sense and a true Bermuda treasure.
“Our deepest condolences are extended to her family, with permission to single out her son John – a fellow artist, former BNG trustee and the architect who designed the Gallery – whose signature will always be associated with the Bermuda National Gallery.”
May her legacy continue to inspire us.
