Painting helps MNH make Laxey Wheel discovery

An old painting has helped the Manx National Heritage learn more about the history of the Laxey Wheel.

The picture went on sale at a London auction house last month, and closer inspection revealed it showed a different wheel that came before the Lady Isabella. 

Curator of Art and Social History Matthew Richardson says the original wheel was previously only known as a silhouette in the distance in another painting.  

The artwork, which dates from around 1840, will now become part of Manx National Heritage’s art collection.