Today marks the bicentenary of the birth of one of Guernsey’s most famous sons.
Denys Corbet was born on 22 May 1826 and went on to become a notable poet, writer, and artist.
To celebrate his life and work, Guernsey Museums & Galleries is hosting a free ‘after hours’ evening today, as well as guided walks, and other activities.
Denys Corbet
Corbet is best remembered for writing in Guernesiais and was known as ‘Le Draïn Rimeux’ (‘The Last Poet’).
He was born in the Vale in 1826, but is closely associated with the Forest where he lived for much of his life.
Having lost his parents during his childhood, he married and had six children of his own.
As well as achieving success as a poet and artist, Corbet was editor of a French language newspaper.
He died in April 1909.
Events
The museum at Candie is open as usual today, with the chance to see some of Corbet’s artwork in the Rona Cole Art Gallery.
The museum then be open from 18:00 – 20:00 tonight with free entry and no pre-booking required.
Corbet’s self-portrait (above) will be on temporary display at the museum to mark today’s special occasion.
With Corbet closely linked with Guernsey French, the Guernsey Language Commission will be at the museum today and tonight with information about the language and Corbet’s lasting influence. You can also visit the Guernesiais language bench.
This evening’s events will include an illustrated talk about Corbet’s life in the lecture theatre at 18:15 and 19:15.
Poetry inspired by Guernesiais and Corbet will take place in the Museum galleries, hosted by the monthly poetry group ‘Night Voices’.
The café will be open for the duration and visitors will be able to learn how to sing Happy Birthday in Guernesiais.
In addition, guided walks will celebrate the bicentenary on Friday 22 and Saturday 23 May.
The walk is inspired by the 19th century epic poem L’Touar de Guernesy, which was a tour of the parishes where Corbet recorded life unfolding around him.
The free guided walk starts at Forest Church at 10:30 and finishes at the same location at approximately 12:30. Booking is essential via info@language.gg or by calling 07839 106 284.
Jo Dowding, Access & Learning Manager, said Corbet lived through the entire reign of Queen Victoria and witnessed huge cultural, linguistic and economic change in the island he loved so much.
“I would particularly like to offer a warm welcome to those people who have never heard of Denys Corbet before.
“It is clear from his poetry that he truly adored Guernsey. He was one of the first to realise that Guernesiais was a threatened language and we have a lot to thank him for.”
This evening’s events are part of the Museum’s After-Hours programme; a varied selection of evening events that take place during the year.
