Le Riche Fine Art Storage is pleased to share the following announcement from Art for Guernsey, highlighting an exceptional forthcoming exhibition celebrating Sir Claude Francis Barry (1883–1970), a British Post-Impressionist painter and etcher whose work was profoundly influenced by the Channel Islands. The exhibition will be held at Art for Guernsey Gallery, 4–6 Mansell Street, St Peter Port, from Friday 6 March to Saturday 4 April, and we are proud to support this opportunity for a significant private body of work to be seen publicly once again.

Art for Guernsey announces forthcoming exhibition, Sir Claude Francis Barry: An Enigmatic British Master Inspired by the Channel Islands.

Sir Claude Francis Barry was described by The Financial Times art critic Simon de Burton as “a contender for the title of greatest artist you never heard of”, and when you see his artworks you are likely to be mystified as to why this British master is not more widely recognised.

Sir Claude Francis Barry – Girl on a Pink Rock

Sir Claude Francis Barry (1883-1970) was a British Post-Impressionist painter and etcher, celebrated for his atmospheric landscapes, cityscapes and architectural compositions. He developed a distinctive style characterised by bold colour, stylisation and, in many works, a refined Pointillist technique. Barry travelled and worked extensively across Europe, and lived in Jersey from around 1949 until he was moved to a nursing home in Kent shortly before his death in 1970.

Thanks to the relationship that Art for Guernsey has forged with Le Riche Fine Art Storage, the charity has been afforded the opportunity to exhibit an extensive body of work by Sir Claude Francis Barry, which has been held in a private collection and not viewed by the public for many years. To the team’s great delight, these artworks are to be available for purchase.

Sir Claude Francis Barry – Sark La Coupee

Curation Director Jock Pettitt said:

“I have to confess that until this body of work and the potential to exhibit it was made known to me, I didn’t know of Barry’s work, and I started to look up his catalogue online. What I found was immediately exciting, with contrasting styles that made me wonder at first if it was the same artist, from the Pointillist works to the portraits and the bold colours and forms of his landscapes, often depicting fortresses, it warranted further exploration, and the Channel Island subjects added another layer of interest. I can’t wait to curate the works in the gallery for the public’s enjoyment and I think the show will be a real treat.”

Joe Castellino, CEO of Le Riche Fine Art Storage, said:

“We are delighted to sponsor this extraordinary exhibition and support Art for Guernsey in their efforts to create wider benefits for Guernsey through art and culture. At Le Riche Fine Art Storage, we are often entrusted with some of the most incredible artworks, not only precious to their owners but also to society as cultural assets. Often the owners of rare artworks want to share their passion within communities of like-minded enthusiasts such that philanthropy plays a role in their collection. As the custodian of stored art, it is common for owners to willingly have their works exhibited for a wider audience to enjoy. We feel very excited about the long-term prospects of our association with Art for Guernsey who provide an ideal platform, through their gallery, for art collectors, who use our storage facility, to share opportunities for the public to view their passion assets. We have been particularly inspired by the charity’s efforts to support Guernsey’s tourism economy, where we expect visitor experiences to be enriched by unique curated displays of truly international art on temporary loan from art collectors who use our facility.”

Art for Guernsey

Art for Guernsey is a charitable initiative managed by a team of passionate professionals who share a belief in the transformative power of art to bring communities together, provide educational opportunities, promote cultural diplomacy and create an artistic legacy for Guernsey. The team has a strong remit to bring art where it is most needed, to inspire people and try to make them happy. Art for Guernsey is driven by a strong desire to create opportunities for the community to discover high quality art for free, and to create catalysts within the art, educational and charitable sectors.

For collectors, advisors, family offices and fiduciaries seeking a trusted guardian for irreplaceable works, we welcome the opportunity to demonstrate our facilities and approach.

For fine art storage, packing, transport coordination or longer-term collection care, please contact Joe Castellino at Le Riche Fine Art Storage to discuss your requirements in confidence @ joe@leriche.com or on +44 (0) 7797 726267.