The World’s Largest Exhibition of Works by Archibald Knox
The world’s largest exhibition of works by Archibald Knox is set to be unveiled in a new exhibition showcased in the National Art Gallery at the Manx Museum.
Opening Easter 2025, KNOX: Order & Beauty will feature over 200 pieces from collections across the British Isles, including rare pieces of silver, pewter and jewellery from iconic collections including the V&A, The Peartree Collection, Titus Omega, Manx National Heritage and major private collectors.
Famed for his work for The Silver Studio and Liberty & Co, Archibald Knox was a leading exponent of the ‘British Celtic Revival’ design style. His metalwork designs with their distinctive interlace patterns, are seen as iconic examples of early 20th century design. He also embraced Arts and Crafts, British Art Nouveau and Modernism.
Born on the Isle of Man, Knox was known locally as the man who could ‘paint the wind’. Sketching and painting for his own pleasure, he painted evocative landscapes, rural scenes, buildings and other subjects.
One of the most outstanding examples of his work is ‘The Deer’s Cry’, an illustrated manuscript featuring ‘St Patrick’s Hymn’, an uncompleted masterpiece, which will feature in the exhibition.
Katie King, Manx National Heritage Curator for Art said:
"We are thrilled to be working with the Archibald Knox Forum to jointly curate this unique exhibition, bringing together the world’s largest-ever showcase of Archibald Knox’s work. Unique 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”.
The exhibition will be the largest exhibit of Knox material the world has ever seen, with over 100 pieces on loan from private collections and museums and a further 100 pieces drawn from Manx National Heritage’s extensive collection, which is believed to be the largest and most diverse Knox collection in the world. The exhibition will be the first time many of the pieces will have been seen in public to tell the story of Knox’s life and work.
Chris Hobdell of The Archibald Knox Forum said:
“In order to better understand Knox one must come to the Isle of Man to experience the island’s unique history, culture, spirituality and scenery which inspired and motivated him to become one of the greatest designers and artists of the late 19th and early 20th century”.
Sarah Maltby MHK, Political Member with Responsibility for Tourism, added:
““KNOX: Order and Beauty offers an incredible opportunity to place the Isle of Man on a world stage. By holding this exhibit on the Island, we are showcasing Archibald Knox’s decorative art to be synonymous with the Isle of Man like Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s architecture is to Glasgow.
With many items on loan from private owners, the exhibit is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for individuals to see the collection curated by the Manx Museum. It is also an excellent way for visitors to learn about the role the Isle of Man’s culture, heritage and landscapes have played in Knox’s work.”
To celebrate the forthcoming exhibition Manx National Heritage and the Archibald Knox Forum are inviting members of the public to nominate their own Knox designed piece, artwork or related artefact for inclusion in the exhibition.
To nominate a piece from your private collection please email collect@mnh.im, including a photograph of your object, a short reason why you feel it should be in the exhibition and the dimensions of the piece. From the submissions ten objects will be chosen to form the ‘People’s 10’ display in the gallery. The competition is only open to Isle of Man residents, with entries closing at midnight on Sunday 24 November.
The exhibition will open at the Manx Museum in Douglas on 5 April 2025 until 1 March 2026. 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 and talks dedicated to exploring the life and works of Archibald Knox taking place in 2025 and early 2026.
Manx National Heritage and the Archibald Knox Forum would like to thank the Decorative Arts Society, who have recently awarded a grant to help support the display of over 100 Knox pieces within an innovative ‘wall of windows’ within the National Art Gallery at the Manx Museum. They would also like to thank a number of private individuals and local companies who have contributed towards the display and conservation elements of the exhibition.
Both Manx National Heritage and the Archibald Knox Forum are actively seeking funding to support the exhibition and associated programming. To find out more or to make a donation to support the exhibition please contact katie.king@mnh.im
Silver Vase with pink purple enamel base and wirework to feet, 1900. From private collection
Pendant with enamel and pearl from the Peartree Collection
Archibald Knox (b.1864-d.1933) in his Douglas studio
Chris Hobdell, Managing Director of the Archibald Knox Forum and Katie King, MNH Curator in the National Art Gallery at the Manx Museum, where the KNOX exhibition will be held in 2025.