Archibald Knox Manx landscape (1864-1933). The location is thought to be Ballach or Kirkmichael w

Archibald Knox Manx landscape (1864-1933). The location is thought to be Ballach or Kirkmichael watercolour. 41.5 x 55cm. * Provenance: Gifted to Mrs M. F. Turley, of Douglas Isle of Man, by Miss Annie Knox, niece of the artist, who often accompanied him on sketching expeditions around the island and possessed a large collection of his drawings and watercolours. Mrs Turley sold the watercolour to Alan E. Kelly of Mannin Collections Ltd, Peel, Isle of Man, from whom the present owner purchased the same. ** Archibald Knox was born on the 9th April 1864 at Cronkbourne, near Tromode, Isle of Man. He was educated at Douglas Grammar School and in 1882 was appointed as a pupil teacher at Douglas School of Art on condition of a free studentship. A main interest was in Celtic design and crosses which was later reflected in his work for Liberty's. In 1897 Knox left the island to teach at Redhill School of Art where his friend and fellow Manxman, A. J. Collister, was headmaster. It was around this time that he began work as a freelance designer for Liberty & Co. In 1904 Knox was teaching at Kingston and Wimbledon Schools of Art. In 1912, following a dispute with The South Kensington examiners, Knox, with a group of fellow students, started The Knox School of Craft Design. Although known internationally for his Art Nouveau designs in silver, pewter and enamels, Knox is best remembered locally on the Isle of Man as a watercolourist and graphic designer. His watercolours were shown at the Annual Knox Guild of Craft & Design Exhibition and in 1926 eighty of his watercolours were exhibited at the Canadian National Gallery in Ottowa at the specific request of the director there. Knox rarely sold his watercolours, insisting he was 'capable of better' and that it was necessary to retain 'studies' to learn from his faults. Archibald Knox died on 22nd February 1933 at Douglas Isle of Man.