Bryan Kneale sculpture restored after corrosion

Work to restore and reinstall a damaged sculpture by the celebrated Manx-born sculptor Bryan Kneale has been completed.

Yn Arreyder, otherwise known as The Watcher, had spent nearly 50 years on display in the grounds of the Manx Museum, but exposure to the marine environment in Douglas caused it to corrode.

Manx National Heritage worked with the local company Ramsay Shipping Services to strip the sculpture's paintwork back to its base metal, treat the corrosion and respray it.

Manx National Heritage said the piece was "a powerful symbol of Manx creativity and identity".

The sculpture is a large steel ring twisted to hold aloft a heavy double dome, positioned to look out across Douglas Bay towards the sunrise, giving meaning to its title The Watcher.

After it was constructed in 1977, Yn Arreyder went on display in London as part of celebrations to mark the silver jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Later that year, the sculpture was presented to the Manx Museum by the Royal Academy of Arts as a gift.

The move strengthened the Museum's holdings of works by Kneale, who died last year at the age of 95.

Born in Douglas in 1930, Kneale 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.

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.

"Manx National Heritage is proud to see Yn Arreyder brilliantly restored and returned to its place overlooking Douglas Bay," said Chris Weeks, from Manx National Heritage.

"This important work is a powerful symbol of Manx creativity and identity, and we are delighted that it can continue to be enjoyed by the public for many years to come."

He added: "The conservation of Yn Arreyder has been carried out to an exceptional standard, and we are sincerely grateful for the outstanding workmanship."

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