A unique collection of artwork goes on display next week at an exhibition space in the south of the island.

The exhibition, entitled ’Rolling Back Home’, features a collection of bright and colourful images, painted on to unused roller blinds, and will be shown at the Engine House, in Castletown.

The display will be unlike most others, however, as the artists behind the pieces will not be present.

They were created by prisoners currently behind bars in Jurby prison, under the guidance of painter Michael Starkey and art teacher Angela Patchett.

The blinds were destined to be thrown away during the refurbishment of the Engine House last year, until they were offered to Michael to use for an art project.

Michael decided to take them to Angela, who runs art courses for prisoners at Jurby, and they conceived the ’Rolling Back Home’ project.

Michael has since spent the last six months volunteering with the different groups of prisoners as they designed and painted the blinds.

’I had already been approached by the deputy governor of the prison, to come in and conceive an art project at the prison,’ said Michael. ’About the same time I met with Jane Hall, and she gave me 13 roller blinds that were due to be thrown away.’

Michael and Angela divided the blinds into sections and worked with individual groups of prisoners over two sessions each week.

’It has been really successful,’ said Angela.

’At first, some of them were a bit tentative as to whether or not they wanted to do it, but they have really enjoyed it, and some have said that they want to carry on with art projects when they eventually leave prison.

’Getting involved in a project like this, and having access to an artist like Michael, it gives them an opportunity to see something that might be of interest to them to follow up on after their release.

’Creating art is a better way of helping people not return to crime than punishing and preaching.

’And if nothing else does come of it, they have had the chance to enjoy doing something creative and seeing the benefits of it.’

Among the designs created are bright and colourful landscapes, Celtic designs, Manx heritage scenes and one piece depicting a circus.

’They vary in subject, but they are all bright and energetic, and I think they are great,’ said Angela.

’I have seen the difference in a lot of people as we have been going along,’ added Michael.

’But I think that if you could turn just one person away from their own world which has led into prison, turn them to art rather than crime, it is worth it.

’I have been doing it for six months now, and it has been a very worthwhile project. Art is a great relaxer.’

’Rolling Back Home’ is on general display at the Engine House from Tuesday, July 16 between 11am and 2pm, until Saturday, August 10.

All proceeds from the sales of the artwork will go to the Samaritans, David Gray House, and the Isle of Man Prison art service.

by Mike Wade

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