Jersey Heritage acquires Philip John Ouless artworks

The collection includes more than 70 pieces, making it the charity's largest art purchase to date

A new collection of artworks by 19th Century local artist Philip John Ouless has been bought by Jersey Heritage.

The collection includes more than 70 pieces, making it the charity's largest art purchase to date.

The assortment of oil paintings, watercolours and photographs were acquired directly from the Ouless family for about £70,000.

Senior registrar Helena Kergozou said it was a "very exciting moment for Jersey Heritage".

Ms Kergozou said: "This large collection of Ouless artworks represents an incredible addition to our art collection, which help us to tell the stories of Jersey's most important artists."

The assortment of works were acquired directly from the Ouless family

The new collection offers an insight into Ouless' private life, with portraits of his wife and children, paintings from his travels around Europe and a number of landscapes of Jersey that have never been seen publicly.

In a statement, the Ouless family said: "The Ouless family is delighted that this important collection has returned to the Island and been placed in the expert care of Jersey Heritage for the people of Jersey.

"While the portraits have great personal significance and have been in our family for over 150 years, we recognise their historical importance and how much they contribute towards an understanding of the artist as a person."

Jersey Heritage's collections team will spend time cataloguing and digitising each item, making these works available for research purposes and to view online.

The new collection will be on display for people to view on 9 March at the Sir Francis Cook Gallery.