About
Archibald Knox was captivated and motivated by the unique cultural heritage, spirituality and natural beauty of the Isle of Man. As an innovative artist, designer and teacher he has left an extraordinary legacy both on the Isle of Man and beyond. Today his distinctive Celtic designs are synonymous with Manx art and culture and his work continues to be a source of inspiration worldwide. 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. It will showcase his extraordinary talent whilst exploring how the Isle of Man inspired his art.
Manx National Heritage & The Archibald Knox Forum
KNOX: Order & Beauty is a collaborative exhibition led by Manx National Heritage and the Archibald Knox Forum with the joint goal of raising the profile and celebrating the work of Archibald Knox. The exhibition will form part of a wider Isle of Knox campaign, with associated events, walks and talks taking place in 2025 and early 2026.
Archibald Knox (b.1864-d.1933)
Archibald Knox 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 London. During this period his association began with the 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. This includes metalwork, jewellery, ceramics, design work, illuminated manuscripts, sketches and a large number of watercolour paintings. The entire Knox collection is discoverable via MNH’s collections site.
