ARCHIBALD KNOX 1864 - 1933

A beautiful pewter and enamel mantel clock designed by Archibald Knox for Liberty & Co circa 1900

Born on the Isle of Man in 1864, Archibald Knox attended the Douglas School of Art there from 1878-1884, becoming a teacher at the school after finishing his studies. In 1897 Archibald Knox went to London, where he worked with the designer Hugh Mackay Baillie Scott, who also came from the Isle of Man. With Christopher Dresser, Archibald Knox designed metalware for the Silver Studio, which also supplied Liberty & Co. From 1898 until 1912 Archibald Knox worked directly for Liberty & Co, designing metalware, materials, and carpets.

In addition, Archibald Knox made the extremely successful "Cymric" line in silver objects and "Tudor" in pewter for Liberty & Co. Archibald Knox's designs centred on such Celtic motifs as interlaced patterns, crosses, and knots.

From 1900 Archibald Knox lived for some years on Isle of Man but returned to London, where he taught at various art colleges. In 1911 Archibald Knox joined some of his former students in founding Knox Guild of Craft and Designs, which was in existence until 1939. In 1912 Archibald Knox spent a year in the US and designed carpets for Bromley & Co. In 1913 Archibald Knox returned to the Isle of Man, where he spent most of his time painting.

In 1917 Archibald Knox designed a gravestone in the Celtic Revival style for Arthur Lasenby Liberty, the founder of Liberty & Co. The Manx Museum on Isle of Man has a huge collection of Knox pieces.