A new art exhibition has opened at the House of Manannan, mark the 30th anniversary of the Isle of Man Art Council’s Loan Collection. The exhibition includes pieces by world class artists such as Michael Craig-Martin, Anish Kapoor, Robyn Denny; British artists of the 1990’s Jenny Saville, Tracey Emin and Jake Chapman; along with work by contemporary artists Sarah Maple, Sara Pope, David Shrigley, and local artists David Fletcher and Kevin Atherton.
The lsle of Man Art Council Loan Collection was established in 1993 by local artist and teacher David Fletcher. In later life he described the collection as one of his greatest achievements. He was its curator and together with his wife and fellow artist Eileen Schaer, toured the UK and further afield to purchase prints, paintings and photographs. Buying the work for educational purposes helped David and Eileen negotiate good prices with galleries as they acquired work by artists such as Anthony Gormley, Damien Hirst, Picasso, Joseph Albers, Elizabeth Frink and David Hockney, as well as Manx artists Bryan Kneale, Michael Sandle and Chris Killip. The collection comprises more than 300 works, which are divided into small groups and loaned to schools, libraries, hospitals, prison and public buildings.
Martyn Cain, Arts Development Officer for the Isle of Man Arts Council said, “The Loan Collection is a wonderful way to explore some of the finest artists of the past 75 years. This exhibition sees some of the most well-loved names in art from early innovators to Young British Artists and rising stars.”
Katie King, Manx National Heritage’s Curator, Art & Social History added, “THIRTY includes pieces by some iconic British artists, many of whom are household names. It will be a wonderful opportunity for local people to come and explore the works which have been carefully curated for this special show. It will enable visitors to embark on an artistic journey into British modern and contemporary art, without leaving the Isle of Man.”
The House of Manannan is open daily from 9:30am – 4:30pm. Admission is free, with donations welcome.
Click here to find out more about THIRTY exhibition.
