Skip to content

Art loan collection available to see online

Catherine NicollIsle of Man
News imageSUZANNE WALKER A gallery space with grey walls that has colourful artworks hanging on the walls.SUZANNE WALKER
Some the works in the loan collection are on display in an exhibition at the House of Manannan

More than 300 pieces of modern art have been made available online for the first time.

The artworks, which from part of the Isle of Man Arts Council's Modern and Contemporary Art Loan Collection, can be viewed via a digital portal.

As well as featuring pieces by Dame Tracey Emin, David Hockney, Pablo Picasso and Martin Parr, the collection showcases several renowned Manx artists like Michael Sandle and Bryan Kneale.

The online archive also features an interactive map showing where the artworks are currently on display.

News imageThe artworks shown in the online portal on a mobile phone. The phone is sitting on some green grass.
The artworks have been made available online through a digital portal

The loan collection was started 30 years ago to allow artworks to be made available to view in public spaces, including offices, community buildings and schools.

News imageMark Huston, who has a long beard, standing next to a large photo of himself holding a plastic pint glass of beer while in his prison officer's uniform.
Photographs of Tynwald Day taken by Martin Parr feature in the collection, including one taken of Mark Huston's beard

The council's arts project coordinator, Suzie Walker, said the digitisation of the collection would "allow us to track and care for the artworks more effectively, but it will also give the public a chance to see the scope of the collection".

"Whether you're an artist, collector, or just someone who appreciates art, this resource will be invaluable," she added.

News imageROBERT JONES A metal sculpture featuring interlocked circles. It is on a concrete plinth in the arboretum.ROBERT JONES
The collection features more than 300 piece of art, including some by sculptor Robert Jones

A selection of the works is currently on display in Peel in a collaboration between the Manx National Heritage and the council.

The Art Adventures for Beginners exhibition runs until 7 June at the House of Manannan.

News imageIOM ARTS COUNCIL Carola rush, who has long hair and is wearing a brown jumper, placing a red painting against a wall while Suzie Walker looks on.IOM ARTS COUNCIL
The artworks were photographed by Carola Rush for the project

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.

More like this story
Related internet links