Nostalgia 1
Date made: 1951
Artist: Kneale, Bryan
Description: Nostalgia 1 by Bryan Kneale RA.
Large painting, oil on hardboard, formerly displayed at the Nurses' Home (Westmoreland Road, Douglas). One of a pair. The first depicts a series of figures in front of whitewashed buildings. A young boy is playing a musical instrument whilst a baboon is standing on all fours at his side. A distressed young girl (in a yellow dress) is standing over the prone figure of a man. In the distance a line of black clad figures can be seen walking in front of a whitewashed building. In the distant background to either side of the central group of buildings, is the sea with land masses in the distance.
In 2023 Bryan Kneale was asked whether he could recall any details about the two paintings. He explained that they were commissioned by Manx architect R. T. Quayle, whilst he was studying out in the British School of Rome (being the youngest ever winner of the Rome Prize - awarded to artists and scholars who represent the highest standard of excellence). He devised the paintings whilst in Rome and came back to Douglas to paint them. He was lent a studio in Athol Street in which to work. He remembers them being a really exciting commission, launching him into the world of being a professional artist. He believes they were painted in 1952, and were to furnish the entertainment room in the new Nurses Home.
Measurements: 450.5 cm x 109 cm
Materials: paint: oil, wood: composite
Object name: painting
Collection: Art Collection
ID number: 1989-0150
Subject tags : #artgallerywall
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