MEDIA RELEASE: “The idea of an artists’ project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Islands at the end of WWII developed from a chance meeting of local painter, Rosanne Guille, and the Rev’d Dr. Adrian Datta of St Pierre du Bois Church when swimming last autumn down at Fort Grey.
Adrian coined the exhibition title ‘Exile and Return’ as it echoes and reflects the many narratives he had heard over the last quarter of a century in relation to those who stayed and left the island during the dark days of Nazi occupation.
Adrian says: “The 80th Liberation Day Celebration is hugely significant in the life of the Bailiwick. Sadly, but inevitably, there are fewer and fewer people around who lived through the Occupation years. It is important that their experiences are honoured, remembered and marked in a very special and clear way. The Occupation Arts Collective is doing this through the medium of the visual arts. It will leave a permanent legacy of this occasion.”
“This diverse exhibition will represent 12 distinct responses and interpretations of the experience of exile and return. It will be open for six weeks based at the parish church of St Pierre du Bois and also in the Rectory Fellowship rooms.”
Rosanne says: “Artists are great! They are thinkers, worriers, story tellers and researchers. They illuminate and they bring focus. They make you feel and think things you may not have noticed. Their job is to bring attention to the world around us, whether in relation to beauty, darkness, loss or joy. They also help people make sense of things.”
“In telling the story of the occupation, the artists involved have created an impressive body of work. We have asked them to tap into their family histories, recollections and experiences, along with exploration of local archives. These rich resources have been used to produce a body of work which illuminates our past to ensure that lessons from history are not lost.”
Guernsey Arts which is sponsoring the exhibition says: “This year, Guernsey celebrates 80 years of liberation. The Occupation Arts Collective have put together a sensitive and high-quality project examining the years of hardship and sacrifice leading up to this anniversary. The show engages a mix of well-known local and UK
based, artists whilst bringing the arts to the Western parishes. We are proud to support them and look forward to seeing the exhibition in such a wonderful setting.”
The artists involved are Jenny Aitken, Pierre Datta, Sally Ede-Golightly, Annabel Ede-Golightly, Deborah Grice, Rosanne Guille, Keith Langlois, Olympia McEwan, Fiona Richmond, Adam Stephens, Lou Stephens and Aaron Yeandle.”
"I have two very distinct practices. One of portraiture, the other of nature. They are both a reflection of my love for people and their stories, as well as the beauty of the natural world and its fragility".
My portrait is of an extraordinary woman with an extraordinary story. This is Janet de Santos, and she is holding the wedding photo of her mother and father, Elisabet and Harry Duquemin.
Janet’s mother was from a large Jewish community in Vienna and fled Austria in 1937. She came to live in Guernsey and met Janet’s father, Harry, who was from a well known family of growers and exporters in the area. Elisabet and Harry enjoyed married life living at Cobo Post Office, of which Harry was the postmaster and general stores manager.
However, by the summer of 1940, Guernsey ceased to be a safe haven and Elisabet was required to register as a Jew with the Guernsey Police. Her name was passed to the German authorities and she was subsequently required to wear the Star of David in public places, to live under a night time curfew, to not change address at this time and she was only permitted to go shopping between the hours of 3-4pm.
Elisabet, Harry and Janet were given their deportation notices in February 1943. Janet was 18 months old. But thankfully all three survived Laufen, Compiegne and Biberach camps during those long two years. And all returned to their home at Cobo Post Office by Christmas 1945.
A memorial ceremony was held for Elisabet in July 2024, where a Solpersteine Stone was laid outside Cobo Village Centre, her once beloved family home.
REPRESENTING. INSPIRING. CELEBRATING.
“Let’s populate our public spaces with more portraits and stories of notable women.”
Seven inspirational women, all with connections to Guernsey. Together they form a celebratory collection of portraits.
“These women have led their professions, broken new ground and inspired change through their relentless endeavour. I chose them all for their outstanding achievements.”
My aim for this project was threefold. Firstly, to be a showcase of my latest portrait paintings in my series of amazing women, which first began in 2018. Secondly, for the exhibition space to be used by various local groups and schools to gather and discuss how to inspire women of all ages to realise their potential. And finally, to promote the need for more portrait paintings of notable women, in public spaces in Guernsey and further afield.
Local radio studio documentary with Steph Watkins. 26/01/2024
Local radio interview with Jim Delbridge - countdown to the opening. 02/03/2024
My 7WOMEN collection of portrait paintings has now been acquired by Guernsey Museums & Galleries for it’s permanent collection.
DR JAYNE OZANNE : INCLUSIVITY CHAMPION
“The truth shall always set you free. Please know that you are loved, you are loveable and that you are wonderfully made, just as you are!”
Jayne is originally from Guernsey. She is a passionate advocate for LGBT+ rights in the Church of England. She is one of the most powerful and influential international campaigners on the subject and has a large following amongst religious and non-religious leaders alike.
DAME MARY PERKINS : PHILANTHROPIST EXTRAORDINAIRE
“I am extremely proud to be Everywoman’s patron and part of such an amazing group that so actively promotes the merits and talents of women and the vital contribution they make to the economy.”
In 1984, Mary and Doug famously established Specsavers in Guernsey, on a table tennis table in their spare room – and within three years it had grown into the largest privately-owned opticians in the world. As well as her ongoing hands-on involvement in running a multinational business, she still finds time for charitable work. And she is patron and/or trustee of over 28 charities and was proudly Chair of the Guernsey 2023 Island Games Committee.
BARONESS PITKEATHLEY : FROM BISSON TO BARONESS
“No matter how much homework I had, the tomatoes must be picked, packed and sent away, and this simply could not be put off. Consequently I have a strong ‘get it done’ gene and never miss a deadline.”
Jill Pitkeathley (née Bisson) was born in Guernsey in 1940. She left the island for a university education and worked in a range of social care roles until becoming Chief Executive of the Carers National Association, for which she was awarded an OBE in 1993. Tony Blair invited her to become a working peer in 1997, and she was appointed to the House of Lords as Baroness Pitkeathley of Caversham – the first woman from the Channel Islands to sit in this chamber. Amongst her proudest achievements has been giving a voice to the UK’s six million carers through her work at the Carers National Association (now known as Carers UK).
NESSI GOMES : THE SOUND OF THE COSMOS
“My voice has been my biggest companion in life and it has helped me through many difficult moments and so I want to share that with people.”
Born in Guernsey to a Portuguese family, Singer-Songwriter Nessi Gomes channels influences from both sides of her ethnicity, blending the essence of the traditional, emotional and ‘larger than life’ Fado folk music with British progressive modern inspiration. Her acclaimed debut album Diamonds & Demons was released in October 2016 and received huge media attention and has since played in 30 countries including major festivals and stages. In parallel with her recording career, she created the Vocal Odyssey workshops through the experience gained from studying music therapy at university. Her retreats encourage participants to meet with the spirit of their voice.
JO PRIAULX : A GIFT TO THE ISLAND
In November 2003, Jo Priaulx gave birth to daughter Danniella five weeks early by emergency caesarean section. Following this traumatic experience – and a similar experience with their first child, Sebastian a few years earlier – Jo and husband Andy decided that they wanted to help other families going through a similar experience – and the Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation was born. Over the last twenty years the charity has gone from strength to strength and despite its original name, the charity has extended its remit to also helping critically ill children and their families from Guernsey .
MEGAN PULLUM KC : ILLUMINATING THE RULE OF LAW
“Just listen to her reeling off the answers during a States debate – she’s like a walking wikipedia for Guernsey.“ Laura Clayton, Bailiwick Express.
Megan Pullum was appointed HM Procureur and Receiver-General in 2016, the first woman to hold a Crown Officers’ position in Guernsey. Following a legal career in the UK, Megan was called to the Guernsey Bar in 2006, where she initially worked in private practice. She was appointed Queen’s Council in 2012, HM Comptroller in 2012, before her promotion to HM Procureur in 2016. As Guernsey’s Attorney General, Megan is legal adviser to the States Assembly on constitutional and legal issues and rules of procedure. She is also responsible for drafting new legislation to implement the resolutions of the States, as well as representing the States in Guernsey’s Courts and the prosecution of criminal cases.
PROFESSOR JOSEPHINE ARENDT : THE QUEEN OF MELATONIN
“The field has lost one of its shining stars. A pioneer, a trail blazer!” Prof Debra J. Skene, University of Surrey.
Josephine was born in Yorkshire in 1941, and after World War II she and her family moved to Guernsey. She went on to study biochemistry at University College, London. When she graduated, she worked in London and Geneva, becameing interested in the science of sleep. She returned from Switzerland to the UK and rose to the position of Professor of Endocrinology at the University of Surrey. Jo spent most of her career studying the effects of melatonin and light in humans. Her work led to ground-breaking advances in our understanding of sleep – including the use of melatonin to alleviate jet-lag; helping blind people and shift-workers keep their internal rhythms in sync and discovering the use of blue light to treat seasonal depression. She also worked with the British Antarctic Survey to devise new ways to help workers in Antarctica adapt to the unusual light conditions.
You can listen to my interview with the Professor’s colleague Prof Debra J. Skene - here.
“Heartfelt stories and images, together commemorating the freedom we enjoy today” Dame Mary Perkins
2020 marked the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of the Channel Islands, by the occupying German Forces during WW2. Stories of the Occupation continue to inspire generations of artists, poets, historians and writers. In Living Memory is a collection of contemporary visual arts, original essays and poetry, plus first hand memories of those who survived the war years and wish to share their memories - some for the very first time.
There are nearly 30 contributors to the book, including “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” co-author Annie Barrows, the world renowned artist and Guernsey-man Chris Foss (whose concept art is sought after by the movie industry for films such as Dune, Superman, Alien, Flash Gordon and Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy) plus Gilly Carr, author, Cambridge University Senior Lecturer and founder of the frankfallaarchive.org which details the stories of Channel Islanders deported to Nazi prison camps.
As curator and coordinator for this wonderful group of artists, poets and authors, I was fortunate enough to meet and interview survivors from the islands of Guernsey, Alderney and Sark. From these interviews, I created monologue style narratives from the transcripts of their conversations, giving colourful firsthand insights into the lived experience of this special generation. There are also other survivors who were willing to share their memories in essay form, written by themselves.
The book is published by Blue Ormer and the printing costs have been covered by Dame Mary Perkins. All proceeds are being donated to Age Concern Guernsey and Alderney.
The book can be purchased on-line at www.blueormer.co.uk
OUR LIVES IN 25 WORDS / mixed media / 127cm x 61cm
Edward ‘Ted’ Smith, his brother and mum were evacuated to Nottingham in 1940. During the Occupation of the Channel Islands, Red Cross letters could be sent between family members. The letters were heavily censored and they were restricted to 25 words. Up to two letters could be sent or received per year.
Copies of the Red Cross letters sent between Ted’s mum and dad feature within this portrait.
BAREFOOT BUT WE ... KEEP SMILING THROUGH / mixed media / 133cm x 75cm
Mavis Lemon who was born in Sark and lived through the occupation years with her extended family. They made do with what they had. She and her sister were dressed in clothes made from curtains and she remembers being barefooted at times. If Mavis wanted to go to the weekly dance, she’d have to borrow a pair of shoes from her aunt. Times were hard, but their close knit community always looked out for each other.
HOMECOMER STORY, dedicated to Beda / mixed media / 113cm x 75cm
Beda Thompson represents the story of the Homecomers of Alderney. Beda, her sister, her mother and father, all fled the island in 1940. She had mixed feelings about their Homecoming Day in December 1945: “I was very happy to come home but sad to see the state of the island. Some people saw it, turned around and never came back.” Her parents’ generation were determined to stay, in order to rebuild their lives and their precious island home.
I have gifted the portrait to the Alderney Museum and the artwork can be seen in the museum’s permanent collection.
In November 2016, I approached the Guernsey Arts with my concept, Amazing Women! Yellow Chair Portraits. My pitch was for a celebratory exhibition of portrait paintings of women from within our community. These women have contributed to the happiness of our fellow islanders, as well as the lives of communities further afield. My wish list of amazing women included; Sarah Griffith MBE, Rev. Linda Le Vasseur, Susan Wilson MBE and Dame Mary Perkins. To my absolute joy they all said “Yes” and so the process began.
I created a platform in my studio, upon which sat my yellow plastic Robin Day chair (Habitat c.1998). This is the chair on which all of my Amazing Women sat. Symbolically, the yellow chair was egalitarian in its purpose and functionality, and undeniably a humble statement about the sitters and their willingness to volunteer their time and support for the project. Without their can-do-attitude, the exhibition could never have happened.
With a fast approaching deadline and 15 portraits to complete for January 2018, it was very early on that I realised I would have to standardise the format of my paintings. They would be life size and all on the same eye-line. This would not only give the paintings a sense of cohesion, but would give the sitters equal status and recognition. Each would occupy the same amount of space in the gallery and also allow for the same amount of focus by the viewer.
The further I journeyed into the project, the more significant the subject matter became. 2018 was celebrated as the Year of the Woman, as well as 100 years since some women achieved the right to vote in the UK. Highlighting the achievements of women and their contribution to a better society was inspirational for my work as an artist.
During my exhibition, we celebrated International Women’s Day on Thursday 8th March 2018. With the help of Candie Museum and Guernsey Arts, we curated a day of inspirational talks by some of these Amazing Women and celebrated my show with free entry to the Museum.
©olympiamcewan
Teresa O’Hara : Manager & Co-Founder of Dyslexia Day Centre.
oil on canvas / 40cm x 50cm
Sarah Griffiths MBE : Charity founder / Activist / Aid worker
oil on canvas / 40cm x 50cm
Anna Smith : life long volunteer worker
oil on canvas / 40cm x 50cm
Cathy Best : Internationally acclaimed fine jewellery designer and charity supporter.
oil on canvas / 40cm x 50cm
Sasha Kazantseva-Miller : entrepreneur, sustainability champion, mentor, start-up advisor, mum of three and Deputy for the States of Guernsey.
oil on canvas / 40cm x 50cm
This is Mick Lowe. During 2020, he was a Refuse Collector for Guernsey States Works. His rounds included the local general hospital and residential homes. He came into contact with a lot of dangerous materials over the covid crisis, and was dedicated to keeping our island home safe from these contaminated biohazards.
“I'm sending out my thanks and gratitude to all the unsung heroes, who's good work may have gone under the radar, during those troubling times.”
The portrait went on to form part of the 87 Days exhibition at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital. The exhibition displayed artworks representing the number of days the Bailiwick was in it’s first full lockdown.
My portrait of Mick is now in the permanent collection of the Guernsey Museums, ref. GMAG 2023.11
Mick - Lockdown Hero 2020
charcoal, pastel, gouache paint & collaged papers / 55cm x 91cm
My initial idea for Art for Ukraine began during the first week of the illegal Russian invasion of Ukraine, in February 2022. I was desperately sad about the situation and felt I needed to do something to raise money. I wanted my donation to go to a reliable charity, so I reached out to a local humanitarian aid worker, Sarah Griffith MBE. I told her I'd give all the proceeds to SAMU charity, with whom I know she had worked closely alongside for a number of years. That Saturday evening, with the support of Sarah, her Facebook community, and mine, I closed the auction at 10pm. The closing bid for the print of my artwork, “Meadow Flowers with Polymmatus Icarus” came in at £1,500, plus another donation of £1,000.
From that moment, I realised this was an opportunity to hand over the reigns to other artists in the Bailiwick. Over the following weeks more than 30 artists took part in the initiative, raising over £10,000! Every penny went to SAMU medical charity.
And also, thanks to Hayley Bachelet of Sula Gallery, the Art for Ukraine initiative had a physical presence on the island. Each week a new set of donated art and craft works went on display for auction.
My mantra for this initiative was, “A life not lived for others is not a life.” Every penny raised went to help those in need. And as an added bonus, donors could treat themselves to beautiful works of art.
You can contact me for private portrait commissions for any occasion, celebration or commemoration.
I have been taking portrait commissions for over 20 years now. I mainly work in oil paints on either canvas or board, depending on the size and scale of the piece, and also offer portrait drawings in graphite. My style is realistic and relies on close observation of the sitter, their manner and personality. I can work from photographs as well as from life.
How to commission a portrait
You can discuss commissioning a portrait with me, by going to the CONTACT page, on this website. Bespoke framing and shipping can also be arranged.
Terms & Conditions
A deposit of 50% of the total value will be invoiced at the beginning of the process, and the remaining 50% will be invoiced on completion.
All sketches and photographs taken remain the property of the artist.
The artist retains copyright ownership and the right to include the portrait in her portfolio, website, printed marketing materials and on social media. However, anonymity will be maintained should it be requested.
Kelleher commission
Andrew Dyke CCD Architects
Dyke commission
Monkhouse commission
Arendt commission
Morgan commission
Drake commission
Morgan commission
Kelleher commission
Bell commission
Kelleher +10 Years commission
Self portrait 2003
Taylor commission
Coupe commission
Pratt commission
AKA FLOWERGIRLOM
“The subject of flowers for me is an honouring of the beauty of our natural world and it’s fragility.”
My nature based painting practise is primarily inspired by Japanese philosophy and imagery, as well as my personal interest in ecology and the environment.
“Flowers can also be read as a symbol of impermanence. They may be delicate and short-lived, and in their various stages, flowers can remind us of the cycle of life - reminders of the transience of all worldly things.”
This gallery of paintings are examples of my nature themed paintings. If you’d like to commission something similar you can contact me through the CONTACT page, on this website.
NB The artist retains copyright ownership and the right to include the artwork in her portfolio, website, printed marketing materials and on social media.
Meadow Flower triptych with Common Blue Butterfly
50cm x 60cm each panel / 150cm x 60cm in total
acrylic paint and oils on canvas panels
Cobo Wild Flowers - Yellow on Grey No. 1
oil paint on board / 30cm x 40cm
Wild Flowers & Sky Blue
oil paint on canvas / 25cm x 20cm
Blossoms in Yellow
acrylic paint on linen canvas / 30cm x 25cm
Cobo Wild Flowers - Yellow on Grey No. 2
oil paint on board / 30cm x 40cm
Wild Flowers in Pink Pot (medium)
oil paint on canvas / 20cm x 25cm
Cobo Wild Flowers (large)
oil paint on canvas / 60cm x 76cm
Cobo Wild Flowers - Yellow on Grey No. 3
oil paint on board / 30cm x 40cm
Pink Pot with Wild Flowers (small)
oil paint on canvas / 20cm x 25cm
Cobo Wild Flowers in Red
oil paint on canvas board / 30cm x 40cm
Cherry Blossom for Linda
acrylic paint on linen boards / 120cm x 60cm (in total)
Cherry Blossom for Kerry-Anne
acrylic paint on canvas / 60cm x 60cm
Cherry Blossom for Natalie
acrylic paint on linen board / 40cm x 50cm
Cherry Blossom Tree
acrylic paint on linen panels / 90cm x 80cm
Guernsey Wild Orchids
Acrylic paint on board / 30 x 40cm
Wild Flowers in Red
acrylic paint on canvas / 36cm x 46cm
Cobo Wild Flowers in Yellow
oil paint on board / 30cm x 40cm
Wild Flowers (drawing)
mixed media on Chinese paper / 33cm x 41cm
Wild Flower Drawing
inks on paper / 30cm x 42cm
Wild Flower Drawing on hemp
mixed media on hemp paper / 21cm x 30cm
Guernsey Lilies No. 1
oil paint on board / 30cm x 40cm
Guernsey Lilies No. 2
oil paint on board / 30cm x 40cm
Orchid Study
oil paint on canvas board / 20cm x 25cm
Annoula's Orchid
oil paint on canvas / 35cm x 45cm
You can now own a piece of my artwork for 85p thanks to Guernsey Post! This Europe 85p stamp is from the Local Artist stamp collection.
You can contact Guernsey Post directly; https://www.guernseypost.com/guernsey-stamps
SEPAC Artwork Collection 2020
Wild Flowers in Pink Pot / oil on canvas / 20cm x 25cm
Private collection : Mrs & Mrs Trevor Wakefield
