Painting’s sale sunk by Jersey export ban
A PAINTING described as one of the most impressive and historically important paintings featuring Jersey failed to sell at auction in Guernsey after an export restriction was imposed on it by the Government of Jersey.
The oil painting, by Thomas Whitcombe, is titled Jersey Pier With a Distant View of Elizabeth Castle.
It was expected to fetch between £80,000 to £120,000, but is now likely to be returned to its owner in Jersey.
The work shows the old North Quay, which was demolished in the 19th century, and the South Pier, which still stands today.
Painted in 1785, the scene shows a British merchant ship at anchor flying the Red Ensign, while on the left, by the quayside, is a British Revenue cutter that has recently seen action, which is evident from her shredded sails.
The painting was one of the highlights of a two-day auction by Martel Maides Auctions in Guernsey earlier this month.
But, because of its historical importance to the island, the artwork was subject to an export restriction from Jersey.
The Government of Jersey granted a temporary export licence so that it could be viewed in Guernsey, but following its sale the painting had to be returned to Jersey.
Martel Maides director James Bridges said the painting had received a lot of attention from people locally and in the UK before the export restriction was imposed on it by Jersey Heritage.
‘The amount of interest we had before the restriction – because it was a very important painting by a notable artist – meant we were pretty sure we would have reachd the estimated price.
‘But the restriction meant someone would have to live in or have a property in Jersey, so it really reduced the pool of engagement.’
London-based Thomas Whitcombe visited Jersey in 1785 when there was an uneasy truce between Britain and France.
It was only four years after the French were defeated at the Battle of Jersey and only two since hostilities had ended.
He was a leading marine painter of the day and a regular exhibitor at the Royal Academy.
‘He is unrivalled for his paintings of naval actions associated with the French Revolutionary Wars and today his work is represented in the Tate Gallery, National Maritime Museum and other museums and galleries worldwide,’ said Jersey representative for Martel Maides Auctions, Jonathan Voak, who catalogued the painting.
‘We are fortunate that his adventurous spirit brought him to Jersey and that he left us this extraordinary image of a moment in our past 235 years ago.’
The rest of the auction was exciting and hotly contested, with about 90% of the lots selling.
