One of the island’s foremost experts on Victorian history and the island’s buildings has been awarded a major cultural award.

Peter Kelly has been named as the recipient of this year’s Reih Bleeaney Vanannan award, given to members of the Manx community in recognition of the outstanding work in their field for the benefit of Manx Culture.

Peter was put forward for the prize in recognition of his lifetimes’s work in architectural history, particularly concerning buildings of historical interest from the Victorian era and has become a highly recognisable and popular local figure through his efforts to share his interests with many both on and off the island, something which the selection panel were particularly impressed with.

’Spreading the word, no matter who the audience, has always been central to his work,’ said panel member Marlene Maska MLC.

’Peter has taught formal classes, given countless lectures and guided tours, written booklets and newspaper articles, produced broadcasts for radio, and has been invited to appear on radio and television programmes that promote the Isle of Man and our cultural heritage, predominantly on a voluntary basis.’

Peter’s interests in the island’s heritage began at an early age when he chanced upon an exhibition of Edwardian postcards at the Manx Museum in 1970.

This led him to explore the era further in the museum’s library, beginning a life-long passion for the island’s rich architectural heritage.

On invitation to host a visiting party from the Victorian Society of London in 1975, Peter went on to form the Isle of Man Victorian Society in 1976.

The society today boasts more than 350 members and is considered to be have of the largest per capita membership of any Victorian Society group in the British Isles.

He writes historical articles for the Isle of Man Newspapers and other local publications, and also presents ’Kelly’s Eye’ on Manx Radio. He has also frequntly appeared on radio and television programmes for the BBC and Channel 4.

Over the past 50 years, Peter has been a member of a great many public bodies and historical and conservation groups, not least the Isle of Man Natural History and Antiquarian Society, the Manx Conservation Council, and the Friends of Manx Museum.

He is also a past chairman and president of the Society for the Preservation of the Manx Countryside and the former secretary of the Manx Heritage Foundation, which went on to become Culture Vannin in 2014.

In 2011 he succeeded Harvey Briggs to become the Captain of Onchan.

’Of all his achievements, it is his work on the built heritage of the island that Peter is best known for,’ said Marlene.

’He is known internationally as an expert on Baillie Scott’s work in the Isle of Man, and has lectured both here and in the UK on his designs.

’The selection panel, comprising representatives from Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh, Yn Chruinnaght, Manx National Heritage, the Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin, was delighted to name Peter Kelly ’Manannan’s Choice of the Year’ in recognition of his lifelong dedication to the island’s cultural heritage, in particular the built heritage, noting that much would have been lost - both in terms of knowledge and buildings - without his remarkable contribution.’

He has donated a part of his £500 winner’s prize to the Baillie Scott Village Hall in Onchan.

Peter will be awarded the impressive Reih Bleeaney Vanannan trophy, and a commemorative medal, at a ceremony to be held later in the year.

by Mike Wade

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