Manx photographer Ray Kelly and his partner, multimedia artist Niamh Kelly have tried to capture the beauty of the island’s abandoned farm buildings in an exhibition, Manx Tholtans.

Ray Kelly has spent the last 30 years seeking out tholtans (the Manx word for the ruins of a building) across the island and Manx National Heritage says that his passion for these derelict farmhouses can be seen throughout the exhibition.

Mr Kelly said: ’Having been born a Manx man with a long tradition of farming, I have an interest in keeping the heritage of the Isle of Man alive.

tranquility

’Walking in these remote places, the feeling of tranquility is overwhelming, and I am mindful of the hardship that the inhabitants of these buildings endured to survive and make a living.

’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.’

The exhibition will feature photographic prints by Ray Kelly that document the historical importance of these buildings, before they waste away forever.

Ray’s prints are complemented with detailed 3D artworks by Niamh Kelly, including ceramic tholtans skilfully captured in miniature form.

Hannah Murphy, assistant curator for Manx National Heritage, who is working alongside Ray and Niamh to develop the exhibition, said: ’Along with the work produced by Ray and Niamh we have used objects and archives drawn from our collections to tell us more about these places; once thriving homes and farmsteads, now crumbling into the earth.

’The peace and tranquillity of these sites is poignantly captured by Ray and Niamh.’

The exhibition has been supported by local investment firm WH Irleand International Wealth. It takes place from Saturday (October 7) until January 27 at the Manx Museum in Douglas.