Artist Ralph Elliott Picture: OLIVER DORAN

A PROMINENT Jersey artist has passed away after a long battle with cancer aged just 47. Ralph Elliott, of St Helier, died on 15 December.

His funeral, complete with a horse-drawn glass carriage, brought St Helier roads to a standstill on 29 December.

Up to 600 mourners attended Ralph’s funeral at St Helier Methodist Centre where his uncle Gerard O’Connor paid tribute to ‘one of life’s most beautiful people’.

Ralph, a hugely popular artistic figure in the Island, was the son of Valery Johnson and Michael Elliott. He displayed artistic skill from an early age which was spotted when he was a pupil at St Michael’s in his youth.

He finished his schooling at Canford School in Dorset and went on to do a foundation course in art at Wigan Tech where he was declared best student of the year
Demonstrating an exceptional talent for all things creative, Ralph then won a place at the prestigious Chelsea College of Art where he achieved his Bachelor of Arts Degree.

The Jerseyman also did further studies in fine art and ceramics at the Royal College of Art.

He spent several years in London pursuing his love of art and juggling various jobs including becoming a photographer, working in an Italian restaurant and delivering luxury cars for Guy Salmon.

But he returned to his home of Jersey in 1994. Encouraged by his close friends, Jason Butler and Tim Sayers, he started exhibiting his works in the Island. Ralph, who lived in Clarendon Road also became the resident artist at the Harbour Gallery.

He then started teaching art, first at the Arts Centre, then at Highlands College.
Also a keen traveller, he headed to places such as Greece, Italy, Spain, Poland, South Africa and America.

The talented artist also loved visiting France where he spent weeks in Provence following in the footsteps of Van Gogh.

A great people person, Ralph loved socializing and cared enormously for his family, his many artist friends and his students.

His uncle told the congregation at his funeral that Ralph never lost his childlike trust in life or people and was almost ageless in his appearance and attitude.

A highly regarded courageous individual, Ralph also loved practicing yoga, kayaking, listening to music and attending the theatre.

Ralph also loved his mother’s dogs, particularly his favourites Bliss and Blue. He grew up surrounded by animals including dogs, cats, sheep and hedgehogs.

Despite being very poorly, Ralph continued to create art and staged a last exhibition at his friend’s gallery in October last year.

His pictures ensure that Ralph lives on and a portrait of the artist, painted by his friend Jason Butler, is hanging in the window of the former Principles shop in town.
Ralph is survived by his mother Valery Johnson, his father Michael Elliott, stepfather Douglas, sister Sophia, niece Eden and nephew Eliot.

The Jersey Evening Post extends its sympathy to his family and friends.