2019: To Japan and Back Again: How a Corner of Guernsey Turned Japanese

This exhibition was one of the biggest and most ambitious ever staged at Guernsey Museum.

The exhibition explored the connections between Guernsey and Japan, using as a focal point the Japanese Japanese House and Temple which were built in Saumarez Park. A tremendous amount of work went on behind the scenes, including partial re-constructions of both buildings. Inside the re-constructed house display, visitors could see the original paper screens which were carefully restored for the occasion. The exhibition was entirely designed and curated by Museum staff.

Items for the display included original objects from the Japanese House and Temple and were provided by the Museum and an amazing private collection. A host of other stunning examples of the decorative arts of Japan were also kindly loaned by other island collectors.

In tandem with this exhibition, the Guernsey Arts Commission's greenhouse gallery also showcased the beautiful painted and printed art of Japan, featuring works from both the museum as well as another stunning private collection. Both these exhibitions were linked together by a stimulating display about Japanese Manga.

During the exhibition, we also organised a Japanese film season, lectures and hands-on craft activities.

Dates of the exhibition: 24 May - 31 Dec 2019.