OPEN LETTER

ISLE OF KNOX – Order and Beauty

We are delighted to announce a momentous celebration of one of the Isle of Man’s most renowned artistic luminaries: Archibald Knox. From April 5, 2025, to March 1, 2026, the Manx Museum will host KNOX: Order and Beauty, the largest and most comprehensive exhibition of Knox's work ever assembled in the world

Archibald Knox: A Pioneer of Modern Design
Knox (1864–1933) was an influential designer and artist whose innovative designs bridged the Celtic Revival, Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and Modernism. Best known for his iconic creations for Liberty & Co., his legacy endures in museums and private collections worldwide. This exhibition, which takes its name from a well-known quote of Knox to his students "Aim at order, hope for beauty", will feature more than 200 rare and outstanding works, ranging from silverware, pewter, and jewellery to clocks, furniture, textiles, paintings and sketches. Highlights include contributions from prestigious institutions such as the V&A, items from private collections and two top London dealers, many being displayed for the first time, citing this exhibition as a ‘Once in a lifetime opportunity’.

ISLE OF KNOX: The Unique Knox Experience
The exhibition, jointly curated by Manx National Heritage and the Archibald Knox Forum, will extend beyond gallery walls. Visitors will enjoy talks, walks, workshops, and screenings, as well as the Knox Trail — a curated exploration of 27 sites across the Isle of Man that show 60 Knox designs and details about his life. For enthusiasts, 11 guided walks will provide an intimate glimpse into the landscapes he sketched and painted and 3 guided tours in and around the city of Douglas.

To understand Knox more fully one must visit the Isle of Man and experience what it was about its unique history, culture, spirituality and scenic beauty that nurtured, inspired and motivated this great artist, designer and teacher.

By connecting Archibald Knox to the Isle of Man as intimately as Charles Rennie Mackintosh is to Glasgow, we aim to elevate Knox’s profile on a global stage. Visitors will discover how the Island’s rich heritage, spirituality, and natural beauty shaped his timeless work.

A Global Invitation
We warmly invite academic institutions, collectors and enthusiasts worldwide to explore this unprecedented gathering of Knox’s masterpieces. This is not only a showcase of art and design but an opportunity to engage in rich discourse about heritage, creativity, and innovation. Join us in celebrating Knox’s contributions to global art history and in placing the Isle of Man at the heart of this legacy.

The Exhibition starts with a series of live talks by Dr Stephen A Martin and Anthony Bernbaum on 5^th and 6^th April 2025.

Book your seat for these popular talks at https://manxnationalheritage.im/whats-on/

At the same link you can scroll down and see details of other talks, walks and guided tours.

Plan your visit to the Isle of Man at https://www.visitiom.co.uk/visitiom/the-archibald-knox-trail/overview

Your Support Matters
We welcome partnerships and collaborations with institutions, researchers, students and educators. Together, let’s honour Knox’s vision and inspire future generations.

We look forward to welcoming you to the Isle of Man, the home of Order and Beauty.

For further details on Facebook see: Manx National Heritage or The Archibald Knox Forum. Follow us on social media for updates as we count down to this extraordinary event.

--ENDS--

Readers Note:

The Extraordinary Isle: A Source of Inspiration
The Isle of Man, often called the Extraordinary Isle, is a treasure trove of natural beauty, history, folklore and culture that has inspired countless artists, none more so than Archibald Knox. With its rugged coastlines, mystical glens, ancient monuments, and rich Celtic heritage, the Island offers an unparalleled blend of natural wonder and spiritual depth. This unique character permeates every aspect of Knox’s work, reflecting the harmony between art and the extraordinary landscapes that surrounded him. Visitors to the Isle will find not only a deeper understanding of Knox’s genius but also an unforgettable experience of a place that is home to the world’s only ‘entire nation’ UNESCO Biosphere, where creativity and nature exist in perfect balance.

Archibald Knox (b.1864-d.1933) was an internationally celebrated artist and foremost designer for Liberty & Co. in London. He was born and lived most of his life on the Isle of Man and was strongly influenced by Manx culture and landscape.

In 1897 he left the Island to teach in an art school in Surrey. During this period his association began with the Silver Studio and London department store Liberty & Co., which specialised in exclusive designs for an upmarket clientele. His work for Liberty included designs for metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, fabric patterns and wallpaper designs.

He was a pioneer of modern 20th century design, with his work bridging Arts and Crafts, Celtic Revival, Art Nouveau and Modernism. Manx National Heritage have been collecting the art and design work of Archibald Knox for nearly 100 years and have one of the largest collections of Knox related material in the world.

Manx National Heritage is a registered charity responsible for protecting and promoting the Isle of Man’s natural and cultural heritage. Through their annual public programme they curate exhibitions which tell the history of the Island, link strongly with their collections, or celebrate Manx community, heritage, art or culture. All of their exhibitions are designed and curated in-house by a professional team. You can learn more about their work here: https://manxnationalheritage.im/about-us/who-we-are/

The Archibald Knox Forum is a Manx registered charity which aims to educate, celebrate and inspire the public, both in the Isle of Man and worldwide, about the work and legacy of Archibald Knox. https://www.archibaldknoxforum.com