LISTEN: 'The greatest Guernsey artist you've never heard of' (PART 1)

Friday 30 August 2024

David Robilliard was born in Guernsey in 1952 and he died in London in 1988. His gravestone at Le Foulon is inscribed "artist and poet". His work has been celebrated across the world, but many people in Guernsey have never heard of him.

Aside from one exhibition of his work nearly twenty years ago, there is little recognition of the creative impact that David Robilliard had elsewhere in the world, in his home island.

Short film 'Life is Excellent', which was released last year, tells David's story.

Presented by actor Russel Tovey it highlights the fact that David's work is not on permanent public display anywhere in Guernsey. 

With a feeling that interest in his life and work is growing, perhaps that could change in the future. 

Pictured (l-r): David Robilliard and Lester Queripel as young men in London during the late 1970s.

One man who knew David very well is Lester Queripel.

Close friends since their late teens, they moved to London together in the 1970s to chase fame and fortune in their respective creative sectors.

Lester is as protective of his friend now - 36 years after his death - as he was when he was alive.

Recounting how David's mother described him as being like "a caged bird", Lester said he was "a one-off", "driven", and an "all or nothing" type of person.

"He could be the most infuriating person you've ever met in your life and he could be the most endearing and the most compassionate all in the same hour," he explained. 

Lester owns many pieces of David's artwork as well as the books published of his poetry, and he's kept a personal treasure trove of their letters to each other, as well as photos.

Pictured: Lester Queripel at his friend David Robilliard's graveside in Guernsey.

Meeting renowned artists Gilbert and George while they were living in London was the turning point for David's artistic career, explained Lester. 

He saw his art work was exhibited and his poetry published before his life was cut short by AIDS during the 1980s.

There have been further exhibitions and publications since his death.

Lester would like to see more exhibitions and awareness of David's life and work in Guernsey.

That sentiment is echoed by Ellie Jones of Liberate.

Pictured: Lester Queripel holding one of David Robilliard's drawings.

The Channel Island charity supporting and empowering LGBTQ people only became aware of David Robilliard and his work last year.

Ellie said they've been on a journey of discovery about his life and work ever since. 

This year's Channel Islands' Pride is being held in Guernsey and David's work will feature.

A play based on his life is being produced, and a blue plaque could be placed at the site of his former family home in Guernsey.

This means the growing interest in David Robilliard's life and work won't pass without permanent recognition of his legacy.