Guests including Lieutenant Governor Sir Richard Gozney and Lady Gozney have enjoyed a preview of the Manx Museum’s latest exhibition exploring Manx tholtans.

The exhibition features stunning photographic prints by Ray Kelly, and coincides with the launch of his latest book, ’Manx Tholtans Volume 2’. The prints are carefully complemented with detailed 3D artworks by Niamh Kelly, including ceramic tholtans skilfully captured in miniature form and a life-size sculpture of a sycamore tree. The passion, care and attention to detail within each of the works is highly evident and provides a testament to the beauty of these buildings.

’Tholtans’, the Manx word for describing the ruins of an old home, are rapidly disappearing from the island’s landscape.

Ray Kelly said: ’Having been born a Manxman with a long tradition of farming, I have an interest in keeping the heritage of the Isle of Man alive. I began photographically recording the island’s tholtans some thirty years ago; the rate of deterioration is tangible. I felt I had to record them before they disappeared, and so began my fascinating journey which has taken me to many remote parts of the island.

’Walking in these remote places, the feeling of tranquillity is overwhelming..

’I don’t think I can ever say categorically that I have recorded every tholtan, but I am happy that the ones I visited are now stored forever, frozen in time on the day I took the pictures.’

passion

The exhibition has been supported by local investment firm, WHIreland International Wealth. Managing director, Will Corrin, who also farms 120 acres in Colby, has a particular passion for the Island’s landscape. Will said: ’We are delighted to be able to support Manx National Heritage in hosting their Manx Tholtans exhibition. ’It’s important for all of the team at WHIreland International Wealth to play a part in the community where we live and work. By doing so, we have an opportunity to focus our corporate social responsibility activity on projects that benefit Manx society and celebrate Manx heritage.’

Manx Tholtan exhibition runs until January 27 2018. Manx Tholtans Volumes 1 and 2, by Ray Kelly, are available for purchase from the Manx Museum Shop.