Grave designed by Manx artist restored ahead of celebratory event

Thousands of people are expected to visit the Isle of Man in 2025 for the ‘biggest Archibald Knox event ever held’.

Ahead of the event – which will take place between April and the following spring – the Archibald Knox Forum had refurbished the tombstone of John Millar Nicholson which was designed by the artist.

Mr Nicholson taught Knox in his early years and upon his death, in 1913, Knox designed the gravestone which included gold-leaf. 

It will mark one of the sites on the Archibald Knox Trail which celebrates the Manx-born artist's life and work across 27 locations on the Island. 

Chris Hobdell from the forum told Manx Radio over time the headstone washed away and they felt the need to step in:

Jason Cubbon is the managing director of Monumental Masons.

He says his team has been working with the forum for a few years renovating some of the stones designed by Knox:

"Memorials these days are far more modest in comparison so it's very unusual that we'd ever get to do something like this from scratch. Certainly to renovate a memorial like this - especially such a fitting memorial to John Nicholson - is quite special." - Jason Cubbon

The great grandson of John Millar Nicholson, Ralph Nicholson, was also present for the reveal:

Mr Hobdell told Manx Radio he hopes many people will join in the celebrations next year:

More details about the Knox event will be released in due course.