Recently, the Societe Jersiaise Photographic Archive (SJPA) was delighted to receive a fascinating donation of photographic prints, taken in Jersey, from the early 1900s.
Dated approximately between the 1920s and the 1930s, the images are quite varied, ranging across different themes and subject matters. What is slightly unusual about this collection is that very little is known about its origins, with the depositor acquiring the images through purchase rather than inheriting them from a family member or friend, as is typically the case. Despite this, the images all work very well together, and are both mysterious and intriguing as they are visually compelling.
From iconic Jersey landmarks such as Corbiere Lighthouse, classic documentary style images showcasing the islands strong links to the coast, maritime and trade, to poetic and reflective imagery of everyday places such as shop fronts, recreational spaces and private gardens, the images take the viewer on an intriguing visual journey of Jersey across the early twentieth century.
Upon reviewing the collection there are six images which stand out in particular.
1) SJPA/2025/02/A/08, J. Bailey Scale Makers Shop Front at 24 New Street, 26th August 1921
Whilst on one hand a simple documentation of a shop front, the presence of a lone, unidentified woman in the left-hand corner of the frame creates a mysterious mood. The context of who she is and why she is there is not explained, and this invites the viewer to imaginatively fill in the pieces. This sense of mystery is further heightened by the fact she is cast in shadow and the lower part of the body partly cropped out of frame.
2) SJPA/2025/02/A/09 – ‘The Quay, Loading Tomatoes, Jersey’, 29th August 1921
Like the previous image, at first glance this photograph, depicting tomatoes being loaded onto a large crane for export, may appear to be a very ordinary and unassuming picture. However, the soft, ethereal lighting which the photographer has chosen to shoot under, establishes a poetic and painterly feel. The powerful effect of this lighting, combined with good technical composition, makes for an image which is visually striking.
3) SJPA/2025/02/A/11 – ‘Station Walk, Corbiere, Jersey’, 31st August 1921
Being so widely photographed and collected, photographs of Corbiere Lighthouse from a unique visual perspective, are difficult to come across. This image however, of the road near Corbiere Railway Station, with a small glimpse of the lighthouse in the background, is a strong example of such. The immediate visual contrast between the banal and empty foreground, and the iconic landmark in the background which, despite its very small size and visual positioning, immediately grabs the viewers’ attention, thereby creating a strong sense of visual tension.
4) SJPA/2025/02/B/09 – Fisherman with rod sat down on Elizabeth Castle pier
This photograph of a Fisherman with a rod and bait bucket sat down on Elizabeth Castle pier, is part of a fascinating mini-series within the collection documenting recreational fishing in this area. With a minimalistic visual style, and the subject matter up close, the photographer has been able to capture the subject in a simple yet striking manner. In addition, choosing to focus on the subject at a moment he is not actively partaking in fishing, and instead capturing a moment in between the activity, the photographer provides a more unusual way of observing the subject and scene.
5) SJPA/2025/02/B/14 ‘The Jersey Sports Club Picnic’, 1924
This large group photograph, showing members of a sports club in Jersey situated in front of Bouley Bay Hotel, is intriguing in that it breaks away from the rules typical of classic group photography. Whilst the subjects have been lined up in neat and organized manner, the choice of background is visually quite ‘loud’ and ‘busy’, and in addition the subjects are positioned slightly off-centre. The presence of the large char-a-banc establishes a feeling of confusion and randomness. As such the photograph offers a less formal and well technically executed photograph typical of traditional group photographs, albeit one which is arguably, more visually interesting.
6) SJPA/2025/02/A/17 St Helier Quay. Depicts workmen filling and loading barrels onto crates, c. early to mid 1920s
This photograph, depicting workmen on the quay at St Helier Harbour, preparing barrels onto cranes for lifting onto a ship, is a good example of well executed, documentary style photograph. The photograph’s detached, observational approach, taken at a good distance away from the subject matter, and with a consistently sharp focus across both the foreground and background, allows the viewer the time and space to properly observe the scene. At the same time, the use of a slow shutter speed creates motion blur throughout different parts of the image, allows the viewer to recognize the busy nature of the scene.
Thank you to the individual who kindly donated these photographs into our collection, as well as those on the Temps Passé Facebook page who helped us identify some of the photographs. If you have any further information regarding the collection, please do contact our team by email at photoarchive@societe.je or telephone on +44 (0) 1534 633394.
Text written by Max Le Feuvre – Assistant Archivist, SJPA
