Bryan Kneale: Sculptor’s love of home island inspires final work

In its tribute, the Royal Academy said he was a “sculptor, educator and curator” who was “best known for his elegantly poised abstract forms”.

It added it was “fitting” his final “magnificent work” would be “placed in the landscape that first inspired him”.

That sculpture – the 8.2ft (2.5m) steel Eelips artwork – has now been installed at the Tynwald National Park and Arboretum in St John’s.

Made of duplex stainless steel, with its height inspired by the ancient cross stones found around the island, it forms a portal that frames the landscape behind it.

Funding for the project was provided by the Isle of Man Arts Council via a lottery-funded grant, the Kneale family, the Frampton Fund, and Culture Vannin, and it was put in place in partnership with the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.