The family of Bryan Kneale are proposing Tynwald National Park and Arboretum in St Johns as a site for Eelips (Ellipse), a new major public sculpture by the renowned artist.
The proposed location for this work is the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum in St Johns. With more than 25 acres of picturesque countryside, the site works well in capturing the vast and diverse beauty of the island as well as being an accessible one of national significance. The new work will join outdoor sculpture by Robert Jones on loan from the Isle of Man Arts Council Loan collection to the Arboretum and has potential to create opportunities for further cultural development in the area.
Containing trees from each of the seventeen parishes, the Arboretum beautifully reflects the entire island in its historical heart. It is hoped that Eelips (Ellipse) will reflect and celebrate the Isle of Man’s landscape, geology and history that has played such an important role in inspiring Bryan Kneale's creative practice. Standing at a height of 2.5m and made from duplex stainless steel, the sculpture will pay tribute to the historic Manx standing stones for which Bryan has such affection.
Eelips (Ellipse) seeks to be a respectful yet poignant addition to the Island. Bringing together two- and three-dimensional forms, the sculpture is designed to physically frame the landscape, creating a portal crossing time and place, a space for contemplation and passage. The sculpture will be seen in the landscape, but the landscape will also be seen through the sculpture, via a cut-out void in the centre of the artwork. Natural beauty and human creativity are brought together, with each visitor completing the scene from their own unique view point and imagination.
The artwork is a result of a life’s work in painting and sculpture by this renowned artist, and the realisation of a long held ambition to install an artwork in the Manx landscape. Bryan Kneale says:“I am fairly obsessed with the place I came from, the Isle of Man, which is mountainous and by the sea – it would be wonderful to make something which would work in that landscape…”
Kate Kneale, Bryan’s daughter commented; “It was great to meet everyone that attended the public consultations earlier this year and discuss the proposal for Eelips. It was lovely to hear the positive responses to my Pa's vision. The choice of the National Arboretum responds to the feedback given, it is a stunning site and we are excited to be working to realise the project at this location. We are also grateful for the continued support of the Isle of Man Arts Council, Culture Vannin and The Frampton Fund, who have committed to funding the production and installation of the sculpture should planning be successful.”
The project has been submitted for planning approval. Bryan will gift his time and the ownership of the sculpture to be part of the Isle of Man Arts Council Modern and Contemporary Loan Collection. This would be his first sculpture to enter the Collection. It is hoped to be installed for the public to enjoy in mid 2025, the year Bryan celebrates his 95th birthday.
Upon planning approval, the Isle of Man Arts Council will fund the bulk of the production costs for the sculpture via a lottery funded grant.
About Eelips (Ellipse)
Eelips (Ellipse) is a new public artwork proposed by renowned Manx sculptor Bryan Kneale MBE, bringing together two- and three-dimensional forms and designed to be situated on the Isle of Man. The artwork is a result of a life’s work in painting and sculpture, and the realisation of a long held ambition to install an artwork in the Manx landscape. Bryan Kneale says:“I am fairly obsessed with the place I came from, the Isle of Man, which is mountainous and by the sea – it would be wonderful to make something which would work in that landscape…”
About Bryan Kneale:
Bryan Kneale is a renowned Manx artist, born in Douglas in 1930. He originally studied painting at Douglas School of Art in 1947, before being accepted to the illustrious RA Schools programme where by 1960 he developed his widely exhibited sculptural practice including a retrospective of his work at the Whitechapel Art Gallery (1966), the Serpentine Gallery, London (1978), and further retrospectives at the Henry Moore Gallery, Royal College of Art, London (1986), Royal West of England Academy (1995), and a drawing retrospective at the Natural History Museum (1991).
Teaching has always been an important part of his practice, and through positions at Hornsey College of Art and Design, the Royal College of Art, London and as Professor of Sculpture at the Royal Academy Schools he has helped to shape the careers of many leading British Artists working today. He was made a Royal Academician in 1974 and was awarded an MBE in 2019 for services to British Art. His work is held in collections throughout the world, including the Tate Collection; The British Museum; The Arts Council of Great Britain; The Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge; The Museum of Modern Art, New York; National Gallery of Victoria, S. Australia; Museum of Modern Art, São Paulo, Brazil and the National Gallery of New Zealand.
