'Biggest ever' Archibald Knox exhibition planned on Isle of Man
An "ambitious" project to stage the largest exhibition of work by Art Nouveau designer Archibald Knox has been launched.
It will feature up to 200 of the Manx-born designer's works, including his Liberty metal work as well his paintings and sketches. The Archibald Knox Forum hopes to display pieces held by museums and dealers and in private collections. The display is planned for 2024, the 160th anniversary of Knox's birth. The forum's Chris Hobdell said holding the exhibition on the Isle of Man would allow people to see "the island that inspired him". Born in 1864 in Tromode, Knox chose not to follow in his father's engineering footsteps and instead, enrolled at the newly-opened Douglas School of Art at the age of 16. He went on to become the primary designer for Liberty of London and his pioneering work was key to the company's success and influence upon UK and international design. Alongside the exhibition itself, guided tours and lectures will be held outlining the places that the artist depicted in many of his artworks and the cultural heritage behind several of his designs. Mr Hobdell said: "I want people to see what about the history and culture and landscape of the Isle of Man, what effect it had on him, and how it inspired him to do the wonderful works he did because all his work is bound up in Manx and Celtic history and tradition." The forum previously held an exhibition of the designer's work at the Manx Museum in 2018. The charity aims to raise £75,000 in sponsorship to cover the costs. Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and Twitter? You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk