The 150th anniversary of the birth of one of the Isle of Man’s most internationally renowned artists and designers, Archibald Knox, is to be celebrated by Douglas Borough Council.

On Wednesday April 9th a blue plaque, only the second to be commissioned in the Isle of Man, will be unveiled at 10am by Her Worship the Mayor of Douglas Councillor Carol Malarkey JP in the Archibald Knox garden where it has been affixed to the wall of 70 Athol Street, home to Knox for many years and now owned by Dixcart Management (IOM) Limited, which has generously given permission for its installation.

Council Leader Councillor David Christian MBE JP said: ‘As one of the most influential figures in the British Isles’ art nouveau movement, Archibald Knox was one of the Isle of Man’s foremost cultural ambassadors, so it is fitting that in the year when we celebrate not only the 150th anniversary of his birth but also Island of Culture 2014, Douglas Borough Council should mark his achievements in this way.

‘The Council will also be dedicating one of the sunken or, for purists, marine gardens on Douglas promenade to the memory of Knox. This will be yet another means of paying tribute to the man who left a lasting legacy thanks to his visionary interpretation of Celtic motifs such as crosses and knots, which have come to define the creative genius of this legendary Manx artist.’

Knox’s life and achievements will also be celebrated that same evening at St German’s Cathedral Peel, with a programme of music and tributes organised by the Archibald Knox Society in association with Culture Vannin.