Island to host world’s largest Archibald Knox exhibition

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.

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.

Born on the Isle of Man, Knox was known locally as the man who could ‘paint the wind’.

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. 

Chris Hobdell of The Archibald Knox Forum added: “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 19^th and early 20th century”.

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.