In a riveting display of artistic prowess, a captivating collection of paintings by the esteemed Jersey artist, Edmund Blampied, recently graced the auction stage, fetching staggering prices that left art enthusiasts in awe. Dawsons Auctioneers in Jersey bore witness to the spectacle as six exquisite lots, each brimming with the essence of Jersey life, found new homes, with the collective sales tally soaring past an impressive £37,000.
Among the stars of the auction was the crown jewel, the illustrious “Seaweed Harvesting, Jersey,” a masterpiece that captivated bidders and eventually commanded a princely sum of £13,000. The allure of Blampied’s work, celebrated for its charm, character, and profound sense of place, reverberated through the auction hall as each stroke of genius found its rightful place in the hands of discerning art connoisseurs.
The backdrop against which this artistic symphony unfolded added a layer of historical richness to the proceedings. These priceless creations once graced the walls of Government House, resonating with the echoes of the past when Admiral Sir Randolph Stewart Gresham Nicholson, the Lieutenant-Governor of Jersey, presided over their majesty. It was a convergence of past and present, where art served as a bridge between eras, connecting souls across time and space.
Jonathan Pratt, the dynamic managing director of Dawsons Auctioneers, expressed profound gratitude at the opportunity to curate and present such a remarkable collection to the world. He described the experience as a privilege, a chance to showcase the legacy of an artist whose name was synonymous with excellence in the realm of Jersey’s artistic heritage.
The saga of Edmund Blampied, whose artistic eminence endures despite his passing in 1966, unfolded with each lot that went under the hammer. His ability to immortalize the essence of island life, to encapsulate the very soul of Jersey with a deft artistic touch, was on full display, enchanting all those present with its timeless allure.
Amidst the flurry of bids and hushed whispers of admiration, one particular lot stood out—a watercolor gem titled “Peeling Potatoes.” Its sale for £5,500 was accompanied by a poignant letter from the artist to its previous owner, a letter that offered a glimpse into the whimsical world of Blampied’s imagination. In his words, the old lady peeling potatoes, ensconced in the grandeur of Government House, found herself in a delightful juxtaposition of honor and humility, a testament to the artist’s keen eye for both the profound and the mundane.
As the auction unfurled its tapestry of artistic wonders, other gems shone brightly in the limelight. “Surf Riders” and “Vraicking, Jersey; Study of Flowers (verso)” captivated the audience,
