Archibald Knox is synonymous with turn-of-the-century Liberty London elegance and innovation in art and design. Next April, the Isle of Man-Knox’s homeland and muse will host the largest-ever exhibition of his works, KNOX: Order and Beauty. This landmark event by Manx National Heritage promises an unparalleled view into the world of the island-born designer who redefined British aesthetics, fusing Celtic motifs with modernist lines in a manner unparalleled today.
Born in 1864, Knox took his cue from the Isle’s wind-whipped landscapes, ancient cultural symbols, and very different Celtic heritage. His name became legendary at Liberty London when, between 1896 and 1900, he produced iconographic jewellery, clocks, silverware, and textiles. But behind that cosmopolitan success, Knox’s artistry kept a deep sense of Manx history and spirit. This bond will come to the fore in this unparalleled gathering of more than 200 items, many on public display for the first time.
This display, co-curated with the Archibald Knox Forum, is a rich mix of Knox’s work. From shining silver and pewter masterpieces to sensitive sketches and paintings, each reveals a fragment of his creative genius. Contributions come from prestigious institutions, such as the V&A, alongside private collections across Britain. According to Katie King, curator at Manx National Heritage, the exhibition will range beyond objects to give that palpable sense of Knox’s Isle. “We want visitors to immerse themselves in the landscapes that inspired Knox,” she says.
Supporting that vision, the new Knox Trail will take visitors on a journey through the island’s most evocative sites, giving a geographical glimpse into the influences that shaped Knox’s vision. His designs featured intricate patterns, curved lines, and Celtic iconography, capturing an ancient spirit melded with modern ideals. Chris Hobdell, founder of the Archibald Knox Forum, underlines the timeless resonance of Knox’s work: “Knox was captivated by this island’s ancient landscapes and spiritual allure, and he wove those elements into a design language that speaks across centuries and borders.”.
The KNOX: Order and Beauty exhibition is a feast for any collector and design enthusiast and introduces the Isle of Knox campaign, an ambitious tourism and cultural enterprise aimed at repositioning the Isle of Man on the artistic world map. Deborah Heather, CEO of Visit Isle of Man, sees Knox as a cultural ambassador: “Knox’s legacy puts the Isle of Man in conversation with Glasgow’s Mackintosh—a cultural landmark for an artist, an island, and its people.”
The show will also be a community affair for island residents: locals are invited to contribute their Knox items for display, adding personal histories to the story. As an island event—free to get in, donations welcome—it will be as much a tribute to Knox as a homecoming.
From designing for London’s elite to teaching in its busiest art schools, Archibald Knox may have travelled far in his career and created a legacy touching base with Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, and modernism. His roots never left the Isle. Hobdell succinctly says, “To understand Knox, you must walk this island.” KNOX: Order and Beauty will give visitors just that: a rare journey into the heart and homeland of a design icon.
Manx Museum on the Isle of Man 5 April 2025 to 1 March 2026