A new sculpture will become the centrepiece of Knockaloe Garden at The Cathedral Church of Saint German, Peel, with help from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
The Company is assisting with the transport of the 3 metres high by 2 metres wide sculpture from the UK ahead of its installation on 23rd June.
The sculpture will be the centrepiece of one of the gardens in the cathedral grounds, which have been created to commemorate not only Knockaloe internment camp, but genocides committed globally during the 20th century and told through fables.
The sculpture, designed by Island-based artist Angela Patchett and manufactured from bronze and steel in the UK, will be the focal point. It highlights the Isle of Man’s role in the world wars and draws inspiration from two figures, Joseph Pilates and Archibald Knox.
Pilates was interned at Knockaloe during World War I, and spent that time developing the exercise regime which bears his name and is now practiced globally. Knox, the highly regarded artist and designer, was employed at the Knockaloe camp as a censor. A central barbed wire core evolving into a decorative jewel, encased in a figure-like structure, celebrates the achievements and influences of these men.
Sculpture designer Angela moved to the Isle of Man after working as Head of Art and Design at a UK school and living in New Zealand. She now works on private commissions, as well as teaching art at the Isle of Man Prison and for St Christopher’s Fellowship.
Angela said: ‘I was delighted to be commissioned to design the sculpture for the Knockaloe Gardens, which celebrate the capacity for the human race to overcome barriers to peace.
‘It was also fantastic to reach out to the local community for their involvement. The plinth has been made with bricks and tiles painted by the Isle of Man Prison art class, Ballakermeen High School students and those who attended Intergenerational Workshops at The Cathedral.’
She added: ‘The initial grant from The Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin enabled us to draw in significant funding from the Inlight and Jerusalem trusts. We are very grateful for all support and I would like to say a massive thank you to the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company for its assistance in transporting the large sculpture. Receiving help with the cost of transport ensured vital funds were available to fund the project.’
Steam Packet Company Chief Executive Mark Woodward added: ‘The Knockaloe Gardens project has encouraged and received fantastic community engagement, as well as producing a permanent reminder of the horrors of genocide in the 20th century, which should not be forgotten. We are pleased to have been able to help, and I look forward to seeing the gardens when they are complete.’
