Renowned Manx artist dies weeks before latest sculpture is unveiled

Renowned Manx artist and sculptor Bryan Kneale MBE has died at the age of 95.

Kneale was a founding member of the Isle of Man Arts Council in 1965 and became one of the island’s most internationally recognised artists.

His work, which includes paintings and sculptures, has been exhibited globally and is credited with bringing Manx creativity to a wider audience.

He began his artistic training at the Douglas School of Art before establishing a distinguished international career.

In 1974, Kneale became the first abstract sculptor to be elected a Royal Academician (RA). In 2019, he was also awarded an MBE by Queen Elizabeth II for his services to art.

Kneale also had a long career as a teacher, and played a significant role in supporting and shaping the arts on the Isle of Man.

A new sculpture by Kneale, Eelips (Ellipse), is scheduled to be unveiled next month in Tynwald National Park and Arboretum.

The work, funded by the Isle of Man Arts Council, will become part of the Council’s ‘Modern and Contemporary Loan Collection’.

A spokesperson from Kneale’s family commented: ‘Eelips is the fruition of an ambitious vision developed in 2022 when Bryan returned to making sculptures after several years of painting, where he began his creative life.

‘It is the latest in an array of many large scale public works which he created for both rural and urban environments.

‘He desired to create a sculpture that would work in the mountainous Manx landscape that inspired both him and his brother, Nigel Kneale, throughout their working lives, with its distinct geography, myths and legends.’

‘This sculpture will stand as a lasting tribute to his creativity, innovation, and enduring contribution to Manx culture,’ added a spokesperson from the Arts Council.

‘We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who admired his extraordinary work.’