Staged by the Archibald Knox Forum, it celebrates the Manx designer by showing around 40 pieces of silver, pewter and jewellery as well as his illuminated lettering, watercolours and textile designs.
The designer was a leading exponent of the British Celtic Revival style and his metalwork designs for Liberty, with their distinctive interlace patterns, are regarded as iconic examples of early 20th century design.
The inspiration for these is traced back to Knox’s childhood fascination with Norse and Celtic stone crosses on the Isle of Man, where he studied and later taught. In 1897 he went to London where he started producing the designs for Liberty, for which he is probably best remembered.
However, Archibald Knox – Artist, Designer and Teacher, which runs until January 19, aims to give a more rounded view of his output including his top-end pieces. It focuses on works from 1898-1911.
Of classic complex Knox design, the necklace, features enamels of red, green and blue and retains its original box marked Liberty. An identical necklace set with turquoise can be found at the Delaware Art Museum.
Following the exhibition, it will be available for a price in excess of £10,000.
