paintings
biography

Joan Gillchrest was born in London in 1918 and later studied under Gwen John in Paris. She exhibited at the RA in 1936 and 1946.

Her inspiration came from such artists such as Christopher Wood and Arthur Wallis, she delighted in capturing the lives of people in the Cornish fishing village and its surrounding areas where she lived.

Her father, Dr Sebastian Gilbert Scott, was a pioneer of radiology with Madame Curie and encouraged Joan to paint. In 1933 Joan went to Paris where she studied in various studios including Gwen John's. On returning to London she attended the Grosvenor School of Art under Iain Macnab and her work started to gain recognition. She exhibited at the New English Art Club in 1937, at various group shows and the Royal Academy in 1936 and 1946.

Joan moved to Mousehole, Cornwall in 1958 where she painted her beloved Penwith coast and its characters. Her pictures bring a smile to collectors world wide. She is also accredited as being the first person to put up a string of lights outside her house in 1963 which eventually lead to the famous Christmas displays the village hosts.

Sadly, Joan passed away on the 3rd January 2008