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ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY SUPPORTS MAJOR ART EXHIBITION INSPIRED BY MANX LANDMARK

20/3/2015

The Steam Packet Company is supporting a major art exhibition inspired by a geological feature off the coast of the Isle of Man.

Large works by Scottish artist Professor Keith McIntyre will be displayed at Isle of Man Airport and the Market Hall in Douglas from 25th March until 11th April as part of the exhibition organised by Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education.

Professor McIntyre, who is head of art at Northumbria University, has produced a series of illustrations inspired by Burroo, also known as the Drinking Dragon, a distinctive rock formation off the southern tip of the Calf of Man. 

The Steam Packet Company is providing free transport for Professor McIntyre and his work, as well as the artist’s colleague Andy MacKinnon, who will be making a film about the Burroo.

This is one of the first major exhibitions to be held at the Market Hall in Douglas since it became the arts hub for Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education.

Helen Fox, Programme Manager for Art, Design and Media at the college said: ‘The Burroo project is proving to be a fantastic vehicle to develop more partnerships with businesses, such as the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.

‘These kinds of relationships are very important in helping us to deliver our distinctive high quality degree programmes which are based at the Market Hall in Douglas. The creative industries are not yet fully recognised by the Isle of Man Government as an employment sector, so with high profile projects such as this we hope to further raise awareness of our industry and its ability to add to the economy.’

Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘This promises to be a fascinating exhibition, and one which will benefit not only students from Isle of Man College, but anyone who visits the Market Hall or the airport.

‘It makes sense for the Steam Packet Company, which has provided the Island’s maritime lifeline for 185 years, to support this celebration of a coastal icon.’


Professor Keith McIntyre's work is inspired by Burroo, also known as the Drinking Dragon, a distinctive rock formation off the southern tip of the Calf of Man.