A major new public sculpture by celebrated 95-year-old artist Bryan Kneale will be unveiled at Tynwald National Park and Arboretum on Saturday, October 25, marking a historic moment for the Isle of Man's cultural landscape. The sculpture, titled "Eelips (Eclipse)," represents the artist's first permanent public artwork to be installed on his native island and will be accompanied by a full day of commemorative events.
Standing 2.5 meters tall, the sculpture is being described as the culmination of Kneale's lifework in both painting and sculpture. The piece combines two and three-dimensional forms and features a distinctive central cut-out void designed to physically frame the surrounding landscape. According to project organizers, the work invites contemplation and interaction, encouraging viewers to reflect on their relationship with the natural world.
Kneale, who was born and raised on the Isle of Man, is generously donating both his time and ownership of the sculpture to the island. "I'm fairly obsessed with the place I came from, the Isle of Man, which is mountainous and by the sea," the artist explained. "It would be wonderful to make something which would work in that landscape." He described the project as the fulfillment of a long-held ambition to create a permanent work in the Manx landscape.
The sculpture will serve as more than just an artistic installation – it's intended as a symbolic portal across time and space, reflecting Kneale's longstanding connection to his birthplace. "Eelips" will become part of the Isle of Man Arts Council's Modern and Contemporary Loan Collection, adding significant value to the island's cultural heritage.
To celebrate the unveiling, a comprehensive day-long program of talks and reflections will take place at nearby St. John's Methodist Hall. The event will explore Kneale's artistic legacy and examine the broader significance of placing art within landscape settings, particularly within the context of the Isle of Man's designation as a UNESCO Biosphere.
The distinguished lineup of speakers includes writer and cultural historian Sir Christopher Frayling, artist Nicola Hicks MBE, curator Dr. Alexandra Hodby, and sculptor David Mach RA. Many of these speakers have either worked with Kneale or been influenced by his work throughout their careers. Journalist and art critic Sam Phillips will chair the discussions, with closing reflections led by the artist's daughter, Kate Kneale.
The day's schedule begins at 10:00 AM with coffee and pastries at St. John's Methodist Hall, followed by the sculpture unveiling at 10:30 AM. A series of talks will continue throughout the day, concluding at 3:30 PM. As part of the day's activities, a new family activity guide designed by local graphic artist Ali Hodgson will also be launched.
The sculpture and accompanying program have received support from multiple organizations, including the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Vannin, the George Frampton Fund, and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, working in collaboration with the Kneale family. The event is free to attend, though advance booking is required through Eventbrite to manage capacity. More information and booking details are available at https://albanyartscommunications.squarespace.com/.
