An oil portrait of a businessman who played a significant role in the development of Jersey’s tea export trade has been given to the Société Jersiaise.
Joseph John Walker, who was originally from Halifax in Yorkshire, came to Jersey in 1880 to work in tea packing and export.
He set up business in Cheapside and, from there, he exported Chinese tea without having to pay English duty under the brand name TE SOL.
Now, Mr Walker’s great-great-granddaughter Nicolette Westwood, a former President of Société Jersiaise herself, has presented the portrait to the organisation on behalf of three families: the Le Quesne, Stuart-Williams, and Walker families.
She said she was “pleased that his portrait and life story are now safeguarded by the Société Jersiaise”.
Société president Stuart Fell accepted the bequest on behalf of the organisation.
“We are always delighted to receive notable bequests that help develop our existing collections,” he said.
“Such objects might include photographs, books, maps, coins, paintings, prints and research papers.
“We make all possible efforts to research and disseminate information about our collections, and we commit to care for and preserve these important records for our Island community.”
Who was Joseph John Walker?
The man represented in the “imposing” oil portrait was a major player in Jersey’s trade.
Mr Walker came to the island after he went bankrupt in Yorkshire, and his early years in the island were “a struggle”, according to Société.
His wife Sarah and their nine children came to the island with him.
His brother-in-law was already in the island running a tea-packing business, taking advantage of the lack of English duties.
Mr Walker took over management of the Jersey business in 1884, and inherited it after his brother-in-law’s death in 1890.
Joseph John was a Quaker who made his fortune, and used it to repay his creditors – who thanked him with a marble clock and ornaments.
These tokens of thanks had pride of place at his home, Rockvale, and were remembered by many of his descendants.
According to Sociéte, “Joseph John was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and employer. He was fair and kind, and having worked hard all his life, he not only lived to see the reward, but was able to pay off his creditors and pass on a large percentage of his fortune to his children.”
Are you related to Joseph John Walker?
Ms Westwood explained that the bequeathed oil portrait may be one of several produced for Mr Walker’s children.
Société Jersiaise said they would be “fascinated” to hear from anyone who might have one of them.
Anyone with information can reach the Société at hello@societe.je.
