Knockaloe, Patrick

Date made: 1884-1933

Artist: Knox, Archibald

Description: An atmospheric watercolour landscape by Archibald Knox (1864-1933) depicting the rolling Manx hills with a view of trees in the far distance. Unlike most of his watercolour sketches which are untitled and unidentified views of the Manx landscape, Knox identified this as 'Knockaloe', a farm on the west of the Island which was used as the site for a large civilian internment camp for 'enemy aliens' (Germans & Austrians) during the First World War. Knox knew the area well because he worked as a censor at the camp from 1915 to 1919. Knox's watercolour sketches can be seen as exercises in capturing the light and a single moment in time. The artist is said to have painted his watercolour scenes in a few hours or less, but that he would also sit for hours waiting for the exact light and cloud formations that he wanted to paint.

Measurements: artwork: 43.5 cm x 57.5 cm

Materials: watercolour on paper

Photograph and description courtesy of Manx National Heritage via the link at imuseum.im.