Eugene O’Connor: Bermuda’s Esteemed Kite Master, Tradition Bearer, Cultural Guardian
Eugene O’Connor Sr., affectionately known as the Bermuda Kite Master, has significantly contributed to the island’s cultural heritage through traditional kite making for over eight decades. Born with a knack for creativity and innovation, Eugene Sr. began his craft at the tender age of 7, passionately turning it into a legacy synonymous with his name.
With a meticulous hand and an undying love for his craft, Eugene Sr. has created over a thousand kites every Easter season, becoming a cherished figure within the community and beyond. His dedication to preserving this integral part of Bermudian culture has earned him the esteemed Awareness Award from the Bermuda National Trust. Eugene’s commitment goes beyond
craftsmanship; he is a mentor and educator, eager to pass on his knowledge and skills to younger generations. His book, The Art of Kite Making, released in 2018, aimed to immortalize the craft, featuring detailed instructions and a collection of photographs that encapsulate his journey and the beauty of traditional Bermudian kites. Eugene Sr.’s journey into the world of kite making began with humble materials and a curious mind, crafting kites from fennel sticks and pond weed, and later, wood from crates and crepe paper wrappers from the fruit shipping boxes that graced our shores, his creativity bound by no limits. His skill and artistry soon caught the attention of the community, turning his hobby into a sought-after commodity. Over the years, Eugene Sr. has evolved his process, from hand-making kites for local stores to sharing his craft locally by conducting several workshops at hotels, art galleries and visiting many schools across the Island to international platforms, showcasing the vibrancy of Bermudian culture to the world. Despite choosing a career outside of kite making — working in Bermuda’s once-thriving movie theaters as a chief projectionist for The Island Theatre, The Rosebank Theatre and later in sanitation for the Department of Works and Engineering — Eugene Sr. held fast to his passion for his craft. Now, at 90, Eugene O’Connor Sr. continues to create, inspire, educate and maintain the tradition of Bermuda Kite making. Ensuring the kite, a symbol of freedom, creativity, and community, remains a beloved fixture in Bermudian skies. His life work and passion not only celebrates the art of kite making but also embodies the spirit of innovation, tradition, and cultural preservation.
