Knox watercolour of Greeba Mountain
The artist and designer, Archibald Knox, was anonymous and elusive, an intensely private man who did not seek to promote himself, but whose soul and creativity live on in his extraordinary art and designs. These walks will take us into the Manx countryside where you can experience for yourself the place that inspired Knox and deepen your understanding of the man himself. Walking is a sensory way to experience a place and a visceral way to appreciate Knox and his work. As we walk and talk about Knox’s life and legacy, there will be time to pause and take in the wonder of the light and the views, that are not that much different now, than as he experienced them.
As Steven Martin says in his introduction to Archibald Knox “to know his work is to know that place …. the Isle of Man, an ancient Celtic outpost in the middle of the Irish Sea.”
Knox spent many hours outside, rain or shine, transfixed by the scenes before him. An article Knox published in The Studio in 1896 gives an insight into his experience …. The sea enters into every view, grey white or glistening beneath the sun, tenderest of blues in the evening,, or deep turquoise under the influence of a breeze; it runs in streaks into land touching the greens and pinks of spring, and insinuates itself into the gardens of the fishermen’s cottages; it winds among great stretches of golden wrack; and its mists float onto the land where the coast is depressed, offering new forms of cloud and new fancies of subject.”
What better way to deepen your understanding of Knox than to follow in his footsteps and get out into the Manx countryside?
It is not just the landscape that is apparent in Knox’s work but a suffusion of the island’s rich history of myths, spiritual and religious beliefs, legends, lore and tales.
Again, in Steven Martin’s words his art suggests “his own special sense of place and soul, his feeling of ‘home”’ …. a Celtic Christian sensibility that has its roots deep in his Manx heritage”. This aspect of Manx Nationalism is not unique to Knox but is beautifully articulated in the words of the Manx hymn Isle of Mona,
Isle of Mona, home beloved here we sing our praise to thee,
Thank thee for the purple mountains, glens alive with melody.
Let the Nations boast of countries vaster, mightier, far than thee.
But to us, Thou hast no equal Ellen Vannin, Ben my Chree.
His work reflects the deep love Manx people feel for their homeland and my hope is that you too will feel the magic of the Island’s spirit and a deeper understanding of what inspired Knox as you follow in his footsteps.
The walking terrain and distance will vary from walk to walk. Generally, they are designed for distances of between 3 and 6 miles, but there is flexibility to deviate from the route to accommodate requests.
The walking terrain will vary from open moorland, coastal footpaths, country roads, plantations, national glens, greenways, and footpaths. Participants should be confident of their fitness and comfortable to walk the approximate distances, although the walks will not be strenuous. The routes will involve a few ups and downs but will include plenty of rest stops with time to pause and reflect.
Practical information: Please ensure you wear comfortable and supportive walking shoes/boots with good grip and carry suitable clothing with waterproofs. We also recommend bringing a walking pole.
Manx Walks is fully insured for walking activities, but all participants will be asked to sign a medical and risk activity disclaimer before commencement of walks. Please bring any medication which you may require and inform us of any medical condition. Also, if we don’t already have one, we will ask you for a contact telephone number in case of an emergency.