Are you the descendant of a major tea exporter who built his life in Jersey?
If so, Société Jersiaise and his other descendants would like to hear from you – as an impressive portrait of Joseph John Walker has been bequeathed to the organisation.
Originally from Halifax, in Yorkshire, Joseph John Walker came to Jersey in 1880 to work in tea packing and export – setting up a business in Cheapside.
From there, he exported Chinese tea without having to pay English duty under the brand name TESOL.
Now, his great-great-granddaughter Nicolette Westwood, a former President of Société Jersiaise, has presented the portrait to the organisation on behalf of three families: the Le Quesne, Stuart-Williams and Walker families.
She said she was “pleased that his portrait and life story are now safeguarded by the Société Jersiaise”.
Société President, Stuart Fell, said: “We are always delighted to receive notable bequests that help develop our existing collections. Such objects might include photographs, books, maps, coins, paintings, prints and research papers.
“We make all possible efforts to research and disseminate information about our collections, and we commit to care for and preserve these important records for our Island community.”
Who was Joseph John Walker?
The man represented in the “imposing” oil portrait was a major player in Jersey’s trade. He came to the island after he went bankrupt in Yorkshire, and his early years in the island were “a struggle”, according to Société.
His wife Sarah and their nine children came to the island with him.
His brother-in-law was already in the island running a tea-packing business, taking advantage of the lack of English duties. Joseph John took over the business in 1890 and developed it, together with his five sons.
The brand became a leader in South America as Te Sol, and several of his sons lived in Buenos Aires.
Joseph John was described as a Quaker who made his fortune and used it to repay his creditors. Who in turn thanked him with a marble clock and ornaments, which had pride of place at his home, Rockdale, and were remembered by many of his descendants.
According to Sociéte, he was “a much-loved husband, father, grandfather and employer.
“He was fair and kind, and having worked hard all his life, he not only lived to see the reward, but was able to pay off his creditors and pass on a large percentage of his fortune to his children.”
There could be more paintings similar to the one of Joseph John out there – as Nicolette was told that there were similar ones of Joseph John’s family.
Société Jersiaise said they would be “fascinated” to hear from anyone who might have one of them.
