Profiles

Denys' self portrait, Guernsey Museums & Galleries

Denys Corbet lived between 1826 and 1909 and, though he was originally from the Vale, became one of the Forest's most famous people.

He was the second son of Pierre and Susanne (nee de Beaucamp) and was born at La Turquie in the Vale. He married Mary Elizabeth Wellington and had 6 children.

His legacy is as a painter of rural life and he is particularly known for his images of Guernsey cows and bulls which were especially valued at a time when the Guernsey breed was in its ascendancy and photography in its infancy.

As well as painting, Denys was also known for his writing in English, French and Guernsey French, or Patois. His most well known works were the epic L'Touar de Guernsey, a picaresque tour of the parishes, Les Feuilles de la Forêt (The Leaves of the Forest) and Les Chants du Drain Rimeux (The Songs of the last Rhymster).

Between painting and writing Denys also found time for several other occupations including being Constable of the Parish from 1892 to 1894 and "maître d'école" at the Forest School between 1858 and 1880.

Denys' grave at in Forest Church yard

Not only that but he was a noted engraver, clock repairer and land valuer and was editor of the French-language newspaper Le Bailliage, he also wrote prose columns in Guernesiaise under the pen name Badlagoule (chatterbox).

In 2009 the Forest Douzaine applied to place a blue plaque on the house at La Roberge, where Denys Corbet lived from 1877 to mark the centenary of his death.

The Douzaine are also looking for any artefacts associated with him to form part of a special commemoration event and would also like to hear from any descendants of Denys Corbet, for their advice and guidance on the event.

Self portrait courtesy of Guernsey Museums & Galleries, States of Guernsey, 2009.