A mysterious man who has been appearing and disappearing outside a St Mary home has left Islanders “startled” and “taken aback” by the unexpected new addition to the parish.
The unusual figure has been spotted just past St Mary’s pub over the past week, with residents reporting his frequent disappearance and reappearance.
Express headed to the parish to investigate…
Meet Eddie…
Eddie is a papier-mâché man who has taken up temporary residence in the parish as part of Jersey Open Studios 2026.
He is the creation of St Mary artist Raewyn Riva, one of 25 artists and creative venues taking part in the initiative organised by Vibrant Jersey.
Taking place during the first two weekends of August, Jersey Open Studios gives Islanders the chance to step inside the homes and studios of local artists, see their work where it is made and learn more about their creative processes.
Eight artists and venues are taking part in the west of the Island, seven in the central parishes, seven in the north and three in the east.
…and meet his artist
Ms Riva, who instigated the initiative, opened her St Mary home on 1 and 8 August to display an “eclectic” exhibition of sculptures and paintings.
“My work is currently very experimental using brown paper to create realistic sculpture. After a career of using harsh chemicals reusing paper bags and turning them into something hopefully to be appreciated, is very cathartic,” she said.
And Eddie himself is not entirely new to Island life.
“Eddie, the paper man, was initially sculpted for the St Brelades Bay Hotel podium project nine years ago and was resident there outside for a year,” Ms Riva said.
Fellow organiser Ian Rolls, known for his imaginative depictions of Jersey landscapes, said the event was an opportunity “to meet the artists and gain an insight into how and where the work is produced, together with the inspirations and techniques involved”.
“Organising an Island-wide open studios event is quite an undertaking,” he said.
“The last time there was an event like this in Jersey was ten years ago, in July 2016.
“Hopefully, the success of this year’s smaller-scale, self-organised and self-funded event will set the ball rolling for a more regular and comprehensive celebration of Island artists and their studios again.”
The full list of artists involved in Jersey Open Studios can be found online.
