Bergerac Tour: Mystery of the Missing Painting

A three-hour clue trail through St. Helier's back streets in Bergerac's footsteps, hunting for the original of Millais's portrait of Lily Langtry.

Jersey Uncovered invites visitors to solve the mystery of the missing painting, "A Jersey Lily" by Millais. The task is to unravel cryptic clues that lead around the charming streets of St. Helier in the footsteps of the famous Detective Sergeant Jim Bergerac.

The Painting

Created in 1878, Sir John Everett Millais's oil on canvas of Lily Langtry, socialite, actress and former mistress of Bertie, Prince of Wales (King Edward VII), has hung in Jersey Museum for almost 100 years.

The Mystery

Recently, Jersey Heritage conservators removed the frame from the painting and made a startling discovery: it was a copy. So where is the original?

The Mission

During the morning, participants uncover more clues at each location, piecing together the story behind the missing painting and, at the end of the trail, discovering the location of the original (if they can). The tour is a three-hour romp across St. Helier, through back streets and hidden alleyways, from Jersey Museum to the Royal Square and beyond. It offers entertainment, opportunities for photographs, and a good helping of local history and mystery.

The Cost

General tour (minimum of four guests): £40 per person

Private tour (for two to six guests): £160 flat fee

The Dates

Scheduled tour dates will be announced soon, and private tours can also be arranged.