Archibald Knox

Born in 1864, Archibald Knox was born on the Isle of Man, the fifth child of Scottish parents and the only one who didn’t follow their father into the family engineering firm - instead, he was to become one of the most influential designers of the Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts movements. After completing his education at the Douglas School of Art, Knox moved to London in 1897 and became an art teacher; he'd had a lifelong interest in Celtic art, and in 1899 began to design the ‘Cymric’ (precious metals) and Tudric (pewter) Celtic range of crosses for Liberty & Co. (although his name didn’t initially appear on the finished items). Knox went on to design hundreds of items for Liberty & Co, including silver, carpets, pewter, pottery, jewellery, textiles and more, and even the gravestone of Liberty’s founder, Arthur Lasenby Liberty. In 1913, Knox moved back to the Isle of Man where he continued to paint and design until his death of a heart attack in 1933. 

Archibald Knox’s long association with Liberty & Co established him as one of the foremost designers of his day, and there’s a strong market for examples of his work. Particularly sought after are early examples of the Celtic crosses designed through the Silver Studio and made by Liberty in their own name. As well as a designer, Knox was also a talented artist and his watercolours of his Manx home have been extensively exhibited, and always find a ready market. The value of Archibald Knox’s work remains buoyant, and pieces from his most influential period, the turn of the 20th century, are highly sought after, as is anything relating to the Knox Guild of Design and Craft or having a proven personal connection with the designer.

Contact our qualified specialist Liz Bailey to find out more.

< Back to Jewellery & Watches Directory

Lot Alerts

Never miss out - sign up for our Lot Alerts and find the lots you're looking for.

Set up free alerts