The world’s largest exhibition of works by Archibald Knox will open at the Manx Museum on Saturday (5 April).
Born on the Isle of Man in 1864, Knox was profoundly inspired by the Island’s natural beauty, as well as its Celtic and Norse heritage, elements that are evident in his designs, which are cherished and sought after worldwide.
‘KNOX: Order & Beauty’ offers a rare opportunity to delve into his enduring legacy, presenting a comprehensive collection of his work. The exhibition brings together more than 100 pieces from Manx National Heritage’s extensive collections, alongside 100 works from private lenders and museums across the British Isles including the V&A, Peartree Collection and Titus Omega.
Connie Lovel, Chief Executive of Manx National Heritage, said:
“We are truly thrilled to be hosting and working with the Archibald Knox Forum to jointly curate this unique exhibition, bringing together the world’s largest-ever showcase of work from such an internationally renowned Manx artist.
“The Island’s cultural heritage helped inspire so much of his work and that continues to resonate around the world today. In fact, his Celtic-inspired works are now synonymous with Manx art and culture and this exhibition, in our National Art Gallery, will not only celebrate his legacy, but will be the first time many of the pieces will have been seen in public.”
Exclusive pieces of silverware, pewter and jewellery will be exhibited alongside rarely seen paintings, sketches, manuscripts, ceramics, textiles and furniture, whilst also showcasing his Island home by encouraging both residents and visitors to explore the landscape which inspired Knox’s work.
Already attracting great interest both on and off Island, it will form part of a wider ‘Isle of Knox’ campaign, supported by the Isle of Man Government’s Visit Isle of Man Agency, with associated events, walks, talks and workshops taking place later this year and in early 2026.
Last year was the 160th anniversary of the artist’s birth.
Chris Hobdell, Founder of the Archibald Knox Forum, added:
“It is an honour to have worked on jointly curating this outstanding exhibition with Manx National Heritage. Whether you live on the Isle of Man, or are planning a holiday to the Island, a visit to the Manx Museum is essential to understand the work of Archibald Knox, who was a pioneering Manx artist and designer.
“It is only on the Isle of Man that one can begin to understand Knox and his work. He was inspired and motivated by the culture, history, spirituality and scenery of our extraordinary Island. We invite visitors to come and see what inspired him for themselves.”
Knox studied and taught art on the Isle of Man before his career took him to London where his collaborations with the Silver Studio and Liberty & Co. transformed him into a pioneer of modern design. Blending the Arts and Crafts movement, Art Nouveau, Modernism and Celtic Revival, Knox created a distinctive style that transformed the design landscape of his era.
Opening on Saturday, the first weekend of the exhibition will include talks by three world leading experts on Knox, Dr Stephen Martin, Anthony Bernbaum and Paul Carter Robinson, who will present at the Manx Museum on Saturday and Sunday from 11:00am to 6:30pm.
Dr Stephen Martin is the world authority on Knox. He is an accomplished author and editor. His works include ‘Archibald Knox’, published by London: Art Media. The second edition entitled Knox, will be published in two volumes by Art Media, the first of which will appear in 2025.
Paul Carter Robinson is the founder, CEO and Editor in Chief of Artlyst. He is a senior arts and culture professional, who began collecting and dealing in contemporary art 20 years ago. A respected and dynamic figure on the London art scene and the author of the book 20th Century Pewter Art Nouveau to Modernism, he has been an active art journalist, critic and editor for the last 15 years. Paul is a Fellow of the RSA, as well as member of the Critics Circle and the National Union of Journalists.
Anthony Bernbaum is the founder of the gallery The Peartree Collection, which specialises in Archibald Knox silver and jewellery and other designer British silver and jewellery from c. 1870-1939. He has written several articles on Liberty’s Cymric range of silver and in 2014 organised and curated the Archibald Knox centenary exhibition at Olympia, London.
Admission to the exhibition is free, with donations welcome. Seminar tickets cost £20 and are available at https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/
Running from Saturday until 1 March 2026, the exhibition is accompanied by an official stamp collection released by Isle of Man Post and memorabilia, with original and Knox inspired pieces available to purchase at the Manx Museum.
ENDS