A major new art installation celebrating the landscape of the Isle of Man is set to make its public debut next month. The 8.2-foot tall steel sculpture called "Eelips," created by renowned 95-year-old Manx artist Bryan Kneale, will be officially unveiled on October 25 at the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum in St John's. This installation represents what the artist has described as the fulfillment of "a long-held ambition to install an artwork in the Manx landscape."
The sculpture's journey to its final location involved significant community input and planning changes. Originally, officials proposed placing the artwork in front of the cafe at Niarbyl, but public feedback during consultation sessions led to the relocation to the current site. The change proved fortuitous from a regulatory standpoint as well. While planners initially sought formal planning permission for the St John's location in November, a legislative update in March to the Town and Country Planning (Permitted Development) Order eliminated the need for such approval. Since the piece qualifies as public art in a public space, installed on behalf of a public body outside of a conservation area, no planning permission was required.
Bryan Kneale, born in Douglas in 1930, left the Isle of Man as a young man to pursue his artistic career and has since achieved international recognition. His works are now held in the collections of some of the world's most prestigious institutions, including the Tate Collection, the New York Museum of Modern Art, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia. Local residents may be familiar with his previous contribution to the island's public art landscape: the Three Legs of Mann sculpture that stands outside Ronaldsway Airport.
The "Eelips" sculpture will be constructed from duplex stainless steel, with its height specifically inspired by the ancient cross stones found throughout the Isle of Man. This modern interpretation pays homage to the island's historical and cultural heritage while establishing a contemporary artistic presence in the landscape. The piece will hold the distinction of being the first sculpture by Kneale to enter the Isle of Man Arts Council Modern and Contemporary Loan Collection.
Funding for this significant cultural project comes from multiple sources, with the total cost including transportation and installation estimated at approximately $97,000. The Isle of Man Arts Council contributed $60,000 through a lottery-funded grant, while additional financial support came from the Kneale family, the Frampton Fund, and Culture Vannin. Notably, the 95-year-old artist generously donated his time and fee to the project. The installation is being delivered through a partnership with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.
This sculpture is expected to be Kneale's final major work, making its unveiling particularly significant for both the artist and the Isle of Man's cultural landscape. The installation will serve as a lasting tribute to the Manx environment and will provide visitors to the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum with a striking example of contemporary sculpture that bridges the island's ancient heritage with modern artistic expression.
