A unique piece of wearable art, designed by local artist Sarah Hendy and worn by international superstar and Manx Cancer Help patron, Katie Melua, is now on display at the Manx Museum.

Sarah, from Ramsey, specialises in wearable art and created the dress for auction at Manx Cancer Help’s Annual Ball last year. The auction was won by Doug Barrowman, Chairman of Aston Property Ventures, who has loaned the dress to the Manx Museum until the end of December 2015.

Sarah said: ‘I was honoured to work on this very special piece for Manx Cancer Help, which was inspired by the Ball’s theme – the work of Archibald Knox. I designed the piece with references to Knox’s Deer’s Cry, considered his greatest masterpiece and most personal work of art, and the jewel-like enamels of his pewter and silverware designs.'

Archibald Knox was born in Cronkbourne Village, Douglas, in 1864. Manx Cancer Help is headquartered in The Old School House, which was the communal centre of the village during Knox’s life. The design genius is credited with inspiring the Celtic Revival and is famed worldwide for his silver and pewter designs for Liberty & Co. The illuminated manuscript of the Deer’s Cry (or St Patrick’s Breastplate), which inspired Sarah’s design, is a Lorica or prayer of protection traditionally ascribed to St Patrick.

Ally Martin, Fundraising Events Co-ordinator at Manx Cancer Help, said: ‘The dress was a real show-stopper at our Annual Ball and, having been designed and made here in Archibald Knox’s homeland, beautifully reflects his continued influence. We would like to say a huge thank you to Doug for kindly loaning the dress for this special display, which we are sure will be an exciting attraction for visitors to the Manx Museum!’

Tickets for this year’s Manx Cancer Help Annual Ball, which will have an Indian Summer theme, are available to buy now. Please contact Ally Martin on 679544 or ally@manxcancerhelp.org  for details.

Photo - Katie Melua at the Manx Cancer Help Annual Ball 2014, wearing local artist Sarah Hendy’s Archibald Knox-inspired dress.