Picture a British storyteller who swapped England’s apple orchards for the turquoise waters of the Caribbean—meet Jill Tattersall! A best-selling author, watercolor artist, and British Virgin Islands (BVI) icon, Tattersall’s life is a vibrant tapestry of creativity and adventure. Since sailing to Tortola in 1965, she’s captured the islands’ soul through her historical novels, vivid paintings, and deep community ties, leaving an indelible mark on BVI culture.
Her journey from Cornwall to the Caribbean is a tale of reinvention, fueled by a passion for storytelling and art. Whether you’re a fan of her mystery romances or her evocative watercolors, Tattersall’s work invites you to see the world through her curious, colorful lens.
The Making of Jill Tattersall
Born in Cornwall in 1931, Jill Tattersall grew up in Essex, surrounded by books and art. Her father, a former governor in British India, and her artistic grandmother, the first woman at London’s Slade School of Fine Art, nurtured her creative spark. By age seven, she was writing and illustrating her own stories. After studying at a Swiss finishing school, Tattersall honed her painting under mentors like a descendant of John Constable and Sir Alfred Munnings, who taught her to see the world anew.
In the 1950s, as a young mother in England, she turned to writing historical mystery romances, her meticulous research earning her a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. But it was her 1965 voyage to the BVI with her husband, surgeon Robin Tattersall, and their three sons that truly shaped her legacy. Sailing from the UK to St. Lucia on a banana boat, then navigating a 28-foot sloop to Tortola, she found a new home—and a new muse—in the islands’ untouched beauty.
Jill Tattersall’s Unforgettable Stories and Art
Tattersall’s literary career spans historical fiction and Caribbean history. Her novel Lyonesse Abbey (1960s), a richly woven mystery romance, captivated readers with its vivid settings and intricate plots, landing her on bestseller lists. Enchanter’s Castle (1966) transports readers to 1798 Wales, blending romance with an air of gothic intrigue. Lady Ingram’s Room (1970) follows a curious governess unraveling secrets in a widower’s home, showcasing Tattersall’s knack for suspense and historical depth.
After settling in the BVI, Tattersall expanded her scope, penning nonfiction works on Caribbean pirates like Blackbeard and Captain Kidd, blending meticulous research with lively storytelling. Her art, however, became her true love. Her book Memories of the British Virgin Islands (2014) pairs 58 watercolors with stories of 1960s Tortola, capturing scenes like Main Street’s first traffic jam and traditional hat makers. Her paintings, inspired by the islands’ light and people, reflect a deep connection to BVI culture, often exhibited at venues like the Sugar Works Museum.
Her style—whether in words or watercolors—is vivid, nostalgic, and deeply rooted in place. She paints and writes with a historian’s eye and an artist’s heart, preserving the BVI’s heritage while celebrating its resilience, as seen in her post-Hurricane Irma series, Birds and Beaches of the BVI.
Why Jill Tattersall Matters
Jill Tattersall’s impact on the BVI transcends her art and books. As a Reuters correspondent, local historian, and library committee member, she’s woven herself into the islands’ cultural fabric. Her paintings and writings document a bygone era, preserving Tortola’s donkey trails, sailboat harbors, and vibrant characters for future generations. Her post-hurricane art, inspired by birds she watched from her Nanny Cay porch, reflects her resilience and hope, inspiring local artists to create again.
Now in her 90s, Tattersall remains a beloved figure, her work a bridge between the BVI’s past and present. Her ability to capture the islands’ spirit—through a painter’s brush or a storyteller’s pen—makes her a cultural treasure, inviting readers and viewers worldwide to fall in love with the BVI.
- Born: 1931, Cornwall, UK
- Key Works: Lyonesse Abbey, Enchanter’s Castle, Memories of the British Virgin Islands
- Notable: New York Times bestseller; exhibited at Sugar Works Museum
Ready to dive into Jill Tattersall’s colorful world? Grab Memories of the British Virgin Islands or explore her watercolors at a BVI gallery—her stories and art will sweep you away to Tortola’s shores!