(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

Nassau, Bahamas - Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie brings remarks during the Book Launch at The Bahamas Historical Society Museum,  Thursday November 29th.

A depiction of Bahamian history was painted on several screens by the English-born artist Diana B. L. Pullinger over fifty years ago. Originally owned by the memorable Nassau Shop on Bay Street, it was later donated to the Bahamas Historical Society.  Diana Pullinger befriended members of the Erickson family who had a home in Nassau and owned a salt-operation in Inagua, the West Indian Chemicals Ltd.  Through her friendship with the Ericksons, she visited Nassau and other West Indian, Central and South American countries where she continued painting.  Her marriage to Clive Cavil was fortuitous, as he was appointed Director of Public Works by The Bahamas government.

While living in Nassau she continued painting including large murals for various organizations.  Jim Lawlor, President of the Bahamas Historical Society, intrigued by the screens outlining Bahamian history, examined them closely and had the idea to produce a booklet describing the historical scenes as depicted by Diana Pullinger in 1957.  Jim offered to draft the text which begins with the Lucayans and ends with the General Election of 2012.

(BIS Photos/Patrick Hanna)

Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie Prime accepts a copy of the book "The History of The Bahamas in Pictures" from Peter Lawlor , Historical Society President, Thursday, November 29, at The Bahamas Historical Society Museum, Elizabeth Avenue and Shirley Streets.