Isle of Man Guide

Manx National Heritage is pleased to announce that the new exhibition at the Manx Museum, ‘Eric Houlgrave – For the Love of It,’ was officially opened by artist Norman Sayle R.I on Thursday 13th April 2006.

The exhibition, celebrating the life and work of well-known local artist and teacher, the late Eric Houlgrave, attracted over 120 guests on the opening night. Many of Eric’s friends, family and the students whom he had previously taught at the Kensington Road Art School and the Isle of Man College, were delighted to be able to attend this special event and share their individual memories of Eric.

Norman Sayle R.I said:

”I am delighted to be able to open ‘Eric Houlgrave – For the Love of It,’ featuring the prolific work of Eric, an admired friend and colleague, whom I had the pleasure of working with for twenty years.

Eric had terrific energy and a great sense of humour. He was quite extraordinarily versatile as a tutor; not many teachers could do lettering and basketry and pottery and painting and decorating. He was very generous in giving his time and support in every way; wonderful and great fun.

Katie King and Nicola Tooms, assistant curators for Manx National Heritage, have done a magnificent job in developing this evocative exhibition of Eric’s life and work.”

Eric made a lasting impression on the Manx art scene with his belief that artists should ‘create for the love of it’ and this exhibition captures his inspirational and passionate approach to art in all its forms. ‘For the Love of It’ is the first exhibition of Eric’s work to be held on the Isle of Man and displays Eric’s extensive works of art, including watercolour paintings, calligraphy, pottery and cinematography.

Nicola Tooms, Assistant Curator for Manx National Heritage, said:

“This exhibition not only displays the broad range of Eric’s artistic talents but also tells a story of a man who loved to inspire people to create. It was wonderful to see such a good turn out for the opening.

During the course of our research we discovered that Eric was extremely popular, he was an inspirational mentor to a whole generation of art students, including many of the Island’s well known artists, it was brilliant to see so many of these students at the preview”.

‘Eric Houlgrave – For the Love of It’ is open at the Manx Museum from 10am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday, and closed on Sundays. Admission is free of charge.

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