'Eelips' to be unveiled in St John's
A date has been set for the unveiling of a new public sculpture by renowned Manx artist Bryan Kneale.
The artwork, known as 'Eelips', is to be erected in the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum in St John's next month (25 October).
Amongst Mr Kneale's other works you may recognise the Three Legs of Mann outside Ronaldsway Airport.
Now 95-years-old, Mr Kneale's family told Manx Radio that Eelips will be the artist's 'one last sculpture'.
Read more HERE.
"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." - Albany Arts Communications
Why St John's?
Originally, the Eelips sculpture was due to be placed at Niarbyl however it was moved to St John's following consultation.
A spokesperson previously said: "The site works well in capturing the vast and diverse beauty of the Island as well as being an accessible one of national significance.
"At a central location on the Island, the history site resonates with the concept of the work, particularly with the proximity to the nearby Ballaharra Stones.
"Planted with trees from the seventeen Manx Parishes, the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum is a reflection of the whole Island, connecting lands and sky, the distant past and unknown future.
"It is a place of ecology and wildlife, encouraging looking, slowing down, and our connection to nature."
Due to a change in planning laws earlier this year, permission isn't needed to install this artwork.
A spokesperson for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture told Manx Radio: "The planning application was withdrawn when the new 2025 Permitted Development Order (PDO) was approved and came into force 1 March 2025.
"Class 12 of the new 2025 PDO includes a level of development for street furniture for or on behalf of a public body such as; public bins, public seats, wayfinding signs and public drinking fountains, and as of 2025 public art. These works can only be carried out in certain areas as listed within Class 12 and also subject to the general conditions listed in Article 5 (pg 6) of the same PDO.
"If the works meet with Class 12 and all the relevant conditions, then a planning application is not required."
The Eelips project is expected to cost £96,984 in total.
The bulk, £60,000, is to come from the Isle of Man Arts Council via a lottery-funded grant, a further £29,000 is to come from the Royal Academy Frampton Fund, £5,000 from the Kneale Family, and £2,984 from Culture Vannin.
It will be unveiled on Saturday, 25 October, with further details to be announced.
As well as viewing Eelips, members of the public are being invited to attend 'a day of talks to converse, be inspired and celebrate the new work by one of the Isle of Man's best known artists'.
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