Manx National Heritage is pleased to announce that the National Art Gallery will reopen on Friday 27 March, following the conclusion of the landmark exhibition KNOX: Order & Beauty.
The refreshed gallery introduces a new section dedicated to Archibald Knox, showcasing highlights from the national collection. This includes two significant new acquisitions, a rare modernist inkwell and an opal pendant, which were previously on loan for the KNOX: Order & Beauty exhibition. Both pieces have now been secured for the nation thanks to the generous support of the family of Martin Moore MBE, former Chairman of the Trustees of the Manx Museum and National Trust, in his memory and in recognition of his longstanding dedication to Manx National Heritage.
Rare inkwell designed by Archibald Knox, acquired thanks to the support of the family of Martin Moore MBE. |
The redisplay features approximately 170 works, bringing together historic and contemporary pieces by Manx artists and those inspired by the Isle of Man. Visitors will also see an extensive presentation of sculpture, made possible through the use of window display spaces funded by the Silver Society and the Decorative Arts Society. Works on display include pieces by Bryan Kneale, Maurice Day, David Gilbert and Martin Hearne.
Toad, Maurice Day, c1950.
A dedicated portrait space forms a key part of the gallery experience, featuring rare Second World War internment art alongside important loans, including a portrait of Clare Christian MBE by Svetlana Cameron on loan from Tynwald, and a striking portrait of a nun by the late Bryan Kneale RA on loan from a private lender.
For over 100 years, Manx National Heritage has been collecting art for the people of the Isle of Man. Today, the collection comprises around 6,500 works, ranging from some of the earliest-known views of the Island and portraits of Manx society figures, to an internationally recognised internment art collection. Artists represented include John Miller Nicholson, Archibald Knox, Bryan Kneale, Kevin Atherton and Michael Sandle, alongside works by George Romney, Anthony Van Dyck, John Opie, Samuel Walters and Allan Milner.
A summer afternoon, Douglas promenade, John Miller Nicholson, 1888. |
The new gallery display has been carefully curated by the Manx National Heritage team, led by Katie King, Manx National Heritage Curator for Art and Social History, who have undertaken extensive work behind the scenes to prepare artworks for display. This has included conservation, cleaning and reframing.
Katie King said:
“The redisplay has been an exciting opportunity to look again at the Manx national collection and share more of it with the public. We’ve been able to bring together well-loved works alongside pieces that have never been seen before, while also highlighting the ongoing work involved in caring for and conserving these artworks for future generations.”
The redisplay also reflects the realities of caring for a historic collection. Many works in the collection present challenges due to their condition, light sensitivity, or original purpose. The gallery includes interpretation exploring these issues, alongside examples of works requiring or undergoing conservation, offering visitors insight into the complexities of collection care.
Support from the Friends of Manx National Heritage has enabled the acquisition of key works over the years, with around 21 of these featured in the new display. Highlights include Douglas from the Nunnery Howe (1833) by James Strutt; a rare pastel portrait of Countess Charlotte de la Tremouille by Anthony van Dyck; Mona’s Isle (c.1835) by Samuel Walters; Peel Castle (1830s) by Frederick Parker; and a bronze sculpture by Frank Mowbray Taubman.
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Bronze head and shoulders of a child, Frank Mowbray Taubman, 1893. |
The National Art Gallery will take visitors on a journey through the Island’s art and artists, revealing the stories behind the works while celebrating the richness and diversity of the national collection.
Located at the Manx Museum, the National Art Gallery is open daily from 9.30am until 4.30pm. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
