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Experience the charm and creativity of the Renoir Tea Garden in Guernsey. Situated in a beautiful clearing overlooking Moulin Huet Bay, Natalia Silvester has transformed her café into a haven for art enthusiasts. With a new name, Renoir cappuccino stencils, and a collection of Renoir prints adorning the walls, the café is ready to welcome aspiring Impressionists with their sketchpads. The breathtaking view from the terrace is the same one that inspired Pierre-Auguste Renoir when he painted here in 1883.
The timing of Silvester’s rebranding couldn’t be better. This autumn, Guernsey will play host to a charming exhibition of Renoir’s landscapes, featuring works sourced from the US, UK, and France. The exhibition has already generated significant interest, making “going to Guernsey for the Renoir” a popular trend among art enthusiasts.
When Renoir arrived in Guernsey in 1883, he was already a renowned artist. However, he was also experiencing a creative dry spell, confessing to his agent that he had “forgotten how to paint.” Seeking a change of scenery, he chose to visit the 24-square-mile island off the coast of Normandy. During his five-week stay, Renoir visited Moulin Huet Bay every day, capturing the ever-changing light in 15 magnificent paintings. This marked a shift in his artistic focus, as his previous works had predominantly featured people.
The connection between Renoir and Guernsey has long been known by the islanders. However, thanks to a recent arrival and an artwork purchase, interest in Renoir’s work has seen a resurgence. David Ummels, a Belgian immigrant, settled in Guernsey eight years ago and established the charity Art for Guernsey. The organization’s projects range from hosting workshops led by visiting artists to supporting students’ trips to London galleries and running art classes in the local prison. In 2019, Art for Guernsey opened the Renoir Walk in Moulin Huet Valley, featuring five empty outdoor picture frames that replicate the viewpoints of the artist’s paintings.
In 2020, Ummels seized an opportunity when he spotted one of Renoir’s Guernsey canvases in a Christie’s catalogue. Along with local backers, he acquired the artwork, “Rochers de Guernesey avec personnages.” The painting served as a catalyst for inspiring creative workshops in local schools and acted as a calling card for Art for Guernsey to establish relationships with international museums. As a result, they successfully gathered seven of the 15 Guernsey paintings, along with three additional works inspired by Renoir’s time on the island, for their own exhibition. Loans from prestigious institutions such as London’s National Gallery, Musée d’Orsay in Paris, Cincinnati Art Museum, and Musée d’Art Moderne André Malraux in Le Havre contribute to the comprehensive collection.
The highly anticipated Renoir exhibition, featuring the Guernsey paintings and accompanying displays, will open at the Guernsey Museum in Candie Gardens. While Art for Guernsey’s new gallery hopes to play a significant role in the old town’s revitalization, it currently lacks the necessary security and conservation credentials. In addition to the exhibition, visitors can enjoy a photographic exhibition capturing the beauty of Moulin Huet’s light, archival images of life on the island in 1883, and 530 tile paintings created by primary school children, inspired by “Rochers de Guernesey avec personnages.”
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to experience the artistic legacy of Renoir in Guernsey. “Renoir in Guernsey” will run from September 30 to December 17. Secure your tickets for £10 by booking through artforguernsey.com. Plan your visit now and enjoy a truly unforgettable artistic journey.
Andrew Eames experienced the warmth and hospitality of Guernsey as a guest of Visit Guernsey. He stayed at the luxurious Old Government House Hotel, with room rates starting at £260 per night. Consider the “Remembering Renoir” package, which includes two nights’ accommodation, dinner, afternoon tea, and exhibition tickets for two people, starting at £640. Be the first to learn about our latest stories by following @ftweekend.
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