My Jersey CHRIS CLIFFORD

Chris Clifford is the founder of Jersey’s first bespoke modern & contemporary art consultancy business. Educated at Victoria College, he went on to study Fine Art in London before establishing his local gallery Private and Public. Outside of the artworld, Chris enjoys sourcing local ingredients from Central Market for home cooking, sampling the wine menu at Watchmakers and beating the crowds at Jersey’s Amalfi Coast for a morning dip.

Where’s home?

I live in Grouville because it’s quiet, has beautiful green lanes, a huge expanse of beach, is near Gorey’s restaurants and is only a 10 minute drive to St. Helier. Its sedate vibe is very much part of its charm and the fact that you can almost always see France is weirdly reassuring when living in Jersey can feel insular and claustrophobic at times.

The best brunch on the island?

Is in my kitchen. I adore cooking and my current favourite lazy, late morning dish is a short rib terrine in which the beef is sliced paper thin and interleaved with a light aspic, bound in a mandolined carrot to form an artistic frame and served at room temperature allowing the jelly to hold whilst I drizzle pumpkin and tarragon oil over the top. I’m addicted to coffee - especially the ones served by the excellent Barista’s at Bean Around the World and Café JAC which are both only a short walk from the gallery.

And to walk that off?

Jersey is blessed with a huge variety of diverse and beautiful walks both inland and along the coastline but if you want to be transported into an alternative reality that is visually stunning then walk to Seymour Tower at low tide in which you are immersed into a lunar landscape with huge sculptural rock formations. It’s right out there!

Do you have a favourite beach?

For several years I lived in one those hugely controversial residential apartments overlooking Portelet Bay. I liked living there despite all the negative comments I’d receive, what I loved most of all was the close proximity to the beautiful beach and the quite brilliant Portelet Bay Café. After a warm summer’s evening swim there can be no better feeling then sitting with your toes in the sand whilst eating a delicious slice of pizza as the light fades.

Any secret swimming spots?

There was a time before the ’30 Bays in 30 Days’ tribe parked their 4x4’s next to every beach and slipway in Jersey that you could enjoy a quiet swim almost anywhere. The steps at the back of Gorey Pier lead you to a magical place which relatively few people ventured to for a high tide summer swim. It’s a ridiculously beautiful setting with crystal clear waters and dramatic views of the Castle and whilst it’s lost none of its beauty the old regulars have renamed it ‘The Amalfi Coast’ as finding a rock upon which to lay your towel is becoming increasingly more challenging!

Shops you couldn’t live without?

The unthinking auto-response is Waitrose where I seem to spend at least half an hour each day but it simply does not compare to St. Helier’s Central Market which offers a far richer consumer experience with its elegant Victorian architecture, fresh produce and artisanal food offerings all of which are cool and contemporary. If only it would open in the evenings…

Where do you take friends when they visit?

Last summer I enjoyed making an itinerary for a London client who came to Jersey to buy three paintings by Sir Claude Francis Barry; who lived in Jersey towards the end of his life. We retraced the artist’s footsteps visiting the locations where he painted some of his finest works. It took us to elevated views of Corbiere, St. Aubin’s Bay and Portelet. The afternoon was spent at The Oyster Box followed by an early evening swim in St. Brelade’s Bay. It proved to be a hugely enjoyable day for all concerned.

Any other restaurant recommendations?

The Green Island Bistro on a warm summer’s day as the tide edges up the beach. The food and wine is always excellent but it’s the service that I love best. The owner is funny and charming so a wonderful experience and a few good jokes are always guaranteed.

I’ve an annual tradition of booking a table at La Capannina in the week before Christmas. I absolutely adore that place. The old school Italian charm, the familiarity of the menu, the silver service and an intriguing sense of history keeps me going back for more. The slightly naff décor and 70’s suspended office ceiling only adds to the old school charm. Long live Tino!

Where do you go to let your hair down?

Preview evenings at the gallery are very well attended and at times feel more like a party. We get on average between 200-300 people through the doors and we always stay open much later than advertised. Obviously the free bar is an attraction for some but I work with so many great collectors that it’s always nice to share a glass of wine at the end of the evening and chat about the art market. The Watchmaker and Vinafera have been a very welcome addition to the local hospitality industry and with the owner’s expert knowledge of wine I can quite happily while away an hour before venturing out for dinner.

Where on the island do you feel most inspired?

At my gallery. I’m fortunate that I have such a great space and am privileged to work with such great artists, dealers, collectors and visitors but the part of my job that I enjoy most is hanging a show. I work entirely by instinct and the process of building displays is always really interesting and inspiring. The sense of satisfaction I have when it’s done is hugely rewarding and provides a buzz of energy before we open to the public.

What are you working on at the moment?

An exhibition of Pop Art, Urban Street Art and YBA’s all of which has a richly graphical aesthetic. With works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Banksy, Michael Craig Martin and Julian Opie it will be an exhibition filled with bold colours and uplifting themes perfectly timed for the start of spring. Its opens on 24th March at 5pm so don’t miss it!

Describe Jersey in 3 words...

Nice but odd!

A three bed, two bathroom cottage with walled garden and private parking for 1 car. Located near St Saviour’s Parish Hall, set back from the main road, the cottage provides quiet and privacy in a popular area, close to schools and local amenities. Presented in excellent condition, the cottage is set over two floors. The kitchen enjoys views over the garden and comes fully fitted with integrated appliances and benefitting from a superb range cooker. The lounge

Pinnacle

Estates - 01534 707707

is a generous size, beautifully decorated with feature log burner and further benefits from an orangery situated alongside. The dining room is perfect for entertaining and a shower room and plenty of storage completes the ground floor. Upstairs there are two double bedrooms, a large single bedroom and a house bathroom. Externally there is a secure walled garden providing privacy and safety, ideal for children and pets. There is driveway parking that currently accommodates 1 car plus a motor bike.

A fully refurbished, period four double bedroom home. The property is located in Raleigh Avenue which is a very popular no-through-road. No expense has been spared with the design by Socrates Architects and where the builder has delivered a modern home whilst complimenting the beautiful features and high ceilings.

Reside - 07797 737773

The ground floor comprises; a bright reception room with grand doors opening up onto the dining room, W/C, modern fitted kitchen with built in new appliances, under floor heating and accses leading out to the garden. On the first floor you have a contemporary bathroom with underfloor heating, bath and shower and two generously sized bedrooms. On the top floor there are two additional double bedrooms.