The 19th blue plaque was unveiled by Bailiff Sir Richard McMahon at Clifton Steps on Market Street – close to the site of the former Little Theatre, where he had first performed on stage as a boy.
David’s sisters both attended, and one of them, Wendy McHugh, read one of his poems. She joked it was hard to find one which was not too rude for the audience.
‘It’s really wonderful for him to be recognised,’ she said. ‘We are so grateful to everyone. He would have been both humbled and thrilled.’
Sir Richard also read a poem by David’s friend Lester Queripel, which recounted his grief at losing his friend.
To be eligible for a blue plaque the person must have died at least 20 years ago or be born at least 100 years ago. This meant that, unusually, Mr Robilliard had a number of people who knew him attend the event and he also become the most recently born islander to be honoured in such a way.
‘This was an opportunity to celebrate David and his life,’ said Helen Glencross, head of culture and heritage services.
Mr Robilliard was the first known person to be part of the LGBT community to get a Guernsey blue plaque. Liberate CEO Ellie Jones was pleased to see him recognised in this way.
‘It is about recognition for David, which he did not get in his lifetime, as there was such stigma around being gay and about Aids,’ she said.
‘David’s story is one of courage, creativity, and authenticity, and it’s wonderful to finally see him recognised here in his home island. For so long, he’s been known and celebrated internationally, but not locally – and that’s something we’ve wanted to change.’
David Robilliard
Described by his mother as a ‘caged bird’ in Guernsey, locally born David moved to London in 1975 to pursue a career in poetry which soon flourished into an exploration of art, sexuality and life.
His first published book of poetry and first exhibition of his artwork both happened in 1984 which subsequently saw his career thrive. But in 1988, at the height of the UK’s Aids epidemic, David contracted HIV and he died later the same year.
After a long period of relative local obscurity, David Robilliard is now getting recognition.
Today his artwork is part of both national and international gallery collections including the Tate Modern.
David is the inspiration behind the RobilliART Club run by LGBTQ+ advocacy and support group Liberate, who nominated him for the blue plaque.
Also, Guernsey Museum has collaborated with Guernsey Arts to curate a temporary exhibition celebrating his life and works. Titled Welcome to the Friendly Isle, this exhibition is open now and runs until the end of the year.
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