A stunning nativity artwork has found a new home in time for Christmas.

For more than half a century the mural by Dorothy Nicholson entitled the ’The Adoration of the Magi’ was housed in All Saints’ Church on Alexander Drive, Douglas.

With the closure of that church, the artwork has been carefully moved to the lobby at St George’s Church, Douglas, where it was officially unveiled by Archdeacon Andrew Brown at the end of November.

GIFT

The huge oil on board painting, semi-circular in shape and 12ft across the base, was originally a gift to the new All Saints’ Church when it was consecrated in April 1967.

Children from the Sunday School saved the old pre-decimal ’ship’ ha’pennies to pay for it.

The painting has been installed in the lobby at St George’s because this is where the church children meet for their Sunday activities.

The move to St George’s was accomplished with technical advice from Manx National Heritage and with a grant from the IoM Arts Council and donations from church members.

Members of All Saints’ former congregation attended the unveiling ceremony.

The artist Dorothy Nicholson taught art in local schools and by marriage was part of the famous Nicholson Manx artistic dynasty.

Very few examples of her art survive, so this nativity, painted in the modern style, is of great significance.

Archdeacon Brown said: The painting is in fairly good condition, although as it was previously at ground level there are a few scuffs and there is some fine mould growing on the surface as All Saints suffered from a degree of condensation.

’It was removed with hardly any damage whatever, amazingly, just a very little scuffing to the bottom edge - now hidden by a length of protective beading.’

He said the main fear was that the surface of the oil paint might have cracked and come away from the thin board as it was removed from the wall and from within the very large wood and plaster frame it had previously been in.

This proved not to be the case. However, the very large heavy frame could not be saved as well as the painting.

The painting was moved with advice from MNH conservator Chris Weeks, and the move was overseen by building consultant Dave Norman.

It has not been restored or cleaned, other than a light dusting after installation.

The Archdeacon said: ’It was estimated it will cost £10,000 to restore it professionally and we don’t have that sort of money to spare!’

He added: ’It has been very well received by everybody at St George’s with All Saints.

’Those who were formally worshippers at St George’s think it has greatly enhanced the lobby, and those who formally worshipped at All Saints’ are saying it actually looks better where it is now than where it was before.’

St George’s is open for anyone who would like to view the painting each week from Tuesday to Friday 9.30am to 4pm.