Edmund Blampied: The Luminous Artist from Jersey
Originating from the scenic island of Jersey, Edmund Blampied embarked on his formal journey into the arts in 1903 at London’s esteemed Lambeth School of Art. As he honed his craft, a scholarship further facilitated his studies, and concurrently, he lent his illustrative skills to various London newspapers. By the close of 1911, Blampied seamlessly transitioned to freelance, crafting illustrations for notable magazines and books. Not limiting himself to one medium, he embraced etching, rapidly mastering the intricate technique of drypoint.
Blampied’s prowess didn’t go unnoticed. In 1920, he was welcomed into the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers, and by the next year, he was honored as a fellow. While his etchings, drypoints, and lithographs solidified his stature in the art world, he also undertook commercial projects. In such endeavors, he often signed as ‘Blam’, keeping his full name for his personal masterpieces.
As the etching industry witnessed a decline in the 1930s, Blampied’s creative energy flowed toward paintings and watercolors. Significant exhibitions in London in 1935 and in New York in 1937 showcased his versatility.
1938 saw Blampied returning to his roots in Jersey, where he stayed during the tumultuous years of World War II’s German occupation. This challenging period, however, led to a major exhibition of his works at the Print Club of Cleveland, Ohio in 1941. The post-war era celebrated Blampied with a retrospective showcase in America during the 1950s. [Sourced from Wikipedia & Stephen Ongpin]
Esteemed Museum Holdings:
- British Museum, London
- Victoria & Albert Museum, London
- Cleveland Museum of Art, Ohio, USA
- Museum of Fine Arts, Boston