Lé Galvaûdeux

Lé Galvaûdeux (the gallivanter or wanderer in Jèrriais).

Lé Galvaûdeux was a public art commission that developed from understanding the importance of active public space and walking for wellbeing. It was a walk by artist Tim le Breuilly illustrated by Marc Medland that aimed to bring back the joy of discovery and walking in St Helier. It inspired walkers to see the town through new eyes and all wanderers were encouraged to sketch, write, film or record their experiences and post to Instagram.

Tim was inspired by the ideas of the 1960’s French philosopher and filmmaker Guy Debord, The Situationists and the KLF:

‘The Situationists were interested in reclaiming public space and finding new ways for people to experience the streets. Favoured techniques were to place a symbol over a map and then attempt to walk the symbol, or to attempt to navigate a city using a map of another city. Thinking about walking in this way can make it more ritualised. Robert Macfarlane refers to ‘the thinking footfall – encouraging us to savour the moment, finding pleasure in the act of walking more slowly.’

Wanderers could take the walk at any time or join the artist for a guided walk. Tim held a free print workshop for all ages and abilities. This was an important opportunity to chat about ideas and aspirations for Jersey’s public space.

What happened

• The walk explored parts of St Helier that many locals admitted to not having known existed.

• Most residents took the walk multiple times, taking dogs or introducing other walkers.

• Hundreds of artworks were inspired by Lé Galvaûdeux, leading to public exhibitions at The Horizon pop-up gallery at the Waterfront and in empty shops in the High St.

• The work it inspired included poetry, photography, painting, etching, film and collage. One photographer exhibited over 200 images.

• Over 50 residents from 7 to 70 took part in the artist-led walk and workshop. Many more took the walk unguided or saw the work it inspired either online or exhibited in shop windows.

• Public engagement – locals contributed to the Public Voice: Common Ground research through the workshop, walk, social media and exhibitions. One 7-year-old boy told us he felt ‘they never build things that are suitable for the island’.

• The findings collected by Public Voice: Common Ground provided a unique understanding of what mattered to the community.

The map can be downloaded here.