Archibald Knox fans have devised a plan to host the biggest collection of the designer anywhere in the world.

Set up to celebrate and promote the work of the Manxman, the Archibald Knox Forum wants to host the event in the next few years.

Knox was born in the Isle of Man in 1864 and died in 1933, throughout his life he worked as a designer of fine jewellery and metalwork, an artist and a teacher.

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Over the past three years, the Archibald Knox Forum has worked to celebrate his work through a variety of talks, drop-in events and visits to places of interest in the island related to his work.

Now they plan to host a major celebration of Knox in 2024 or 2025 which would also introduce and educate people to the island which inspired his life’s work.

A spokesman said: ’Along with the richness of his art, visitors interested in Knox will be introduced to the uniqueness of the island, its history, people and culture that inspired and motivated Knox to become the greatest designer and artist of his generation.

’Just as Glasgow attracts people from all over the world to experience the legacy of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, we believe that the Isle of Man should become the equivalent for Archibald Knox.

’We propose to have some of the most spectacular and beautiful works ever designed by Knox on the island. These are normally held in the world’s greatest museums and private collections.’

The forum is looking for volunteer guides or people to give talks on Knox as well as looking for sponsors.

The Rev Canon John Quine, who became vicar of All Saints, Lonan, was Knox’s headmaster.

Both were early and influential members of the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society (IoMNHAS), which is now 140 years old and a promoter of the Alliance of Building Conservation which produces the Examiner’s Buildings at Risk articles.

Until 1897 Knox taught art at Douglas Grammar School, when he left to teach at various art schools in and around London. It was during this time he began producing designs for Liberty & Co.

Apart from a few years spent on the island concentrating on his design work, Knox taught in England until 1912.

Following an unsuccessful trip to America in search of new artistic work, Knox finally returned to the Isle of Man in 1913.

He resumed his career as an art teacher, punctuated by four years spent as a censor in Knockaloe Internment Camp near Peel during the First World War.

The gap of a few years between the announcement of the exhibition and it being held, will allow the charity time to obtain permission to use pieces, to insure them and raise the estimated £75,000 needed to meet all costs.

’Our goal is for the most effective advertising to be carried out to ensure that tens of thousands of people worldwide will be informed, as well as to assist the antiques and museums industry to spread the word so that the government, tourism industry and people of this island can benefit from this venture’, the spokesman said.

The Archibald Knox Forum can be contacted by email on [email protected] or by phone on 663762.