08/01/2026
The legacy behind The V&M Art Gallery
Vincent Yelverton D’Aguilar (1932–2008)
The “V” behind V&M
Portrait of Vincent D’Aguilar
Ricardo Knowles
1997
Oil on Canvas
A graduate of Queen’s College in 1949, Vincent continued his studies in engineering in London on a Bahamas Electricity Corporation scholarship. After leaving BEC, he and his brother Adrian founded Superwash in 1968, later expanding into hospitality with the purchase of the Dolphin Hotel, milestones that solidified his status as a master of enterprise.
With the same insight he applied to business, Vincent turned his attention to culture. Though he did not grow up immersed in Bahamian art, his travels with his wife Marina sparked a deep appreciation for the visual arts. Through collecting, he discovered that art carries history, philosophy, and emotion, and that the true beauty of a work lies in the sentiment it inspires.
What began in the 1970s with a few works by Bahamian artists grew into one of the most refined and significant collections of Bahamian art in the world. By the 1990s, his collection had expanded tenfold, helping elevate Bahamian art locally and internationally.
In 1993, Vincent was invited to open the JAMMIN I exhibition, reflecting his hope to inspire emerging artists and further develop Bahamian art. His support also helped bring international attention to Bahamian artists, including Amos Ferguson.
A founding Co-Chairman of the National Art Gallery of The Bahamas, Vincent played a pivotal role in securing Villa Doyle as the home of the national collection and remains the only non-artist to receive the E. Clement Bethel Award for the Arts.
To artists, however, his greatest contribution was personal. Vincent didn’t just collect art, he believed in artists. His encouragement, thoughtful critique, and genuine appreciation gave many the confidence to push beyond their limits. He believed that the true beauty of art lies in the emotion it inspires.
To view this piece and the rest of our collection up close, please email us at
[email protected] to schedule your visit.
