diff --git a/Lib/fontTools/varLib/__init__.py b/Lib/fontTools/varLib/__init__.py
index 2dd5718e8..60b7ad4c6 100644
--- a/Lib/fontTools/varLib/__init__.py
+++ b/Lib/fontTools/varLib/__init__.py
@@ -886,7 +886,7 @@ def load_masters(designspace, master_finder=lambda s: s):
 				# 2. A SourceDescriptor's path might point an OpenType binary, a
 				# TTX file, or another source file (e.g. UFO), in which case we
 				# resolve the path using 'master_finder' function
-				font = _open_font(master.path, master_finder)
+				master.font = font = _open_font(master.path, master_finder)
 				master_fonts.append(font)
 
 	return master_fonts