A new mural celebrating one of the Isle of Man’s best-known poets has been unveiled in the heart of Ramsey.

The five-metre-high artwork, on Parliament Street close to Auckland Terrace, pays tribute to Josephine Kermode, who wrote under the name ‘Cushag’ and was born only two doors away from where the mural now stands.

Created by Ramsey-based illustrator Jo Davies, the mural depicts Cushag alongside lines from one of her best-known poems, ‘To the Cushag’s Friend’, which celebrates the island’s national flower.

The project has been supported by Culture Vannin through a grant marking Blein ny Gaelgey – Year of the Manx Language - and was installed by The Snug, the island’s longest-established wood-burning stove showroom and installation company.

Josephine Kermode was born in Ramsey in 1852 and published her first collection of poems in 1907. Following the death of T. E. Brown, she was regarded as a successor to his position as one of the island’s foremost poets.

Through her friendship with fellow Manx cultural figure Sophia Morrison, Kermode produced a series of poems and plays which became popular with Manx audiences, and her work continues to be performed around the island.

The opening poem in her first collection was ‘To the Cushag’s Friend’, which explores the beauty and significance of the Manx national flower, as well as its place in the island’s folklore.

It is the second verse of the poem which features on the new mural.

‘It was important for me to make an artwork that wasn't only a picture to decorate a wall but to celebrate, and literally elevate a Ramsey born woman who made an important contribution to Manx culture,’ Professor Jo Davies said.

‘If, like me, people passing don't understand the Manx words, I hope that they will appreciate them as things of beauty and over time begin to recognise and connect to them as part of their lives.’

The mural was unveiled last week on what would have been Josephine’s 174th birthday, during a small gathering attended by poets, musicians and members of the island’s creative community.

A plaque is due to be added to the site, featuring a QR code linking to further information about Kermode and recordings of the poem in both English and Manx.

A specially designed, hand-painted window display inspired by the mural is also currently in place and will remain until mid-October. It includes the QR code allowing visitors to hear the poem read in both languages.

James Franklin, online and educational officer at Culture Vannin, added: ‘Although it is certainly a beautiful image which enhances the experience of Parliament Street, this mural is so much more.

‘In confidently placing Cushag, her poetry and the Manx language at the centre of it all, this piece by Jo Davies empowers us to connect to one of the island’s great poets whilst tying us to the treasure of the island’s language and the sense of place.’

The mural is now a permanent feature of Parliament Street, close to The Snug and opposite the Co-op near Christian Street.