The exhibition explores the history of food in the island, from the first farmers in Neolithic times through to contemporary food producers; the changing role of women; times of hunger, such as during the Occupation years; and the hospitality industry.
Included in the exhibition is the ‘Tante Elizabeth’ oil painting by Edmund Blampied which was acquired by Jersey Heritage last year, as well as a 1940s fishing log book from Seymour Tower, and a hand–painted tomato export book dating from 1946.
Pictured: The low water fishing section of the ‘Bouan Appetit!’ exhibit.
Alongside these are images from the Maurice Richardson Collection, part of the Société Jersiaise Photographic Archive, taken in the 1960s and 70s to capture traditional agricultural practices.
All of these went on public display for the first time yesterday.
Pictured: Museum Registrar George Van Oordt and Trainee Conservator Harry Richards hang a poster in the exhibition.
Lucy Layton, Jersey Heritage’s Exhibitions Curator, said: “From our iconic Jersey Royal potatoes to our world–famous Jersey cows and delicious shellfish, Jersey is celebrated for its food. It is an integral part of our island identity, which has been shaped by the landscape and the sea that surrounds us.
“‘Bouan Appétit!’ invites people to step back in time to find an island covered in apple orchards when cider was our major export, discover some of the island’s food folklore and local specialities, like the famous ‘mèrvelle’ (Jersey Wonder), and explore how food continues to shape our community today.”
The exhibition is open daily 10:00-17:00 from Saturday 15 July onwards. For more information, you can click HERE.
Pictured top (left to right): ‘Tante Elizabeth’ by Edmund Blampied, and a Herivel baking dish from Occupation years.