Tributes to 'prolific and celebrated' sculptor

Bryan Kneale's work features in collections around the world

Tributes have been paid to the "prolific and celebrated" Manx-born sculptor Bryan Kneale, who has died at the age of 95.

A member of the Royal Academy since 1974, his work is held in collections across the world including the British Museum and New York's Museum of Modern Art.

His death comes a month before his latest public artwork, a tribute the Manx landscape, is set to be unveiled in St John's.

The Isle of Man Arts Council, of which he was a founding member, said his work had "inspired generations of artists at home and abroad".

Kneale sculpture of the island's national emblem is situated outside the airport

Ugo by Bryan Kneale is one of several works featured in the collections of Manx National Heritage

Born in Douglas in 1930, he studied at the Douglas School of Art in 1947 before being awarded a scholarship to the Royal Academy for the next five years.

He taught at the Royal Academy of Art for almost 30 years, holding the position of head of sculpture and professor of drawing.

He was made an MBE for services to the arts in 2019.

He was the younger brother to screenwriter and author Nigel Kneale, whose works included the television series The Quatermass Experiment.

A bust of Manx martyr Illiam Dhone by Kneale was installed on the wall of Malew Church

The statue of Captain John Quilliam is positioned in Castletown

His most well-known works on the island include a large bronze triskelion at the entrance to Isle of Man Airport at Ronaldsway, and busts of Captain John Quilliam in Castletown and Manx martyr Illiam Dhone in Malew Church.

His latest piece, a "portal" sculpture called Eelips, is a celebration of his love of the Manx landscapes where he grew up.

Originally designed to be positioned at Niarbyl, objections to the location saw it moved to the National Arboretum in the centre of the island.

The 8ft (2.4m)-tall steel artwork has be funded by the Isle of Man Arts Council, and other bodies, with Mr Kneale donating his time and fee.

Bryan Kneale's final sculpture is due to be unveiled in St John's next month

The height of Kneale's latest work was inspired by the standing stones at Cashtal yn Ard, in Maughold

Paying tribute, the Isle of Man Arts Council said: "His work, exhibited across the world, placed Manx creativity on the international stage and inspired generations of artists at home and abroad.

"As a painter, teacher, and above all, as a pioneering sculptor, Bryan's influence can be seen across the Island's creative landscape.

"His commitment to supporting and nurturing the arts has shaped the Isle of Man Arts Council from its very beginning."

The arts council sent its "heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who admired his extraordinary work".