BBC News, Isle of Man
BBCA cat that was awarded the freedom of a town in the north of the Isle of Man has been immortalised in famous works of art.
Thomas the cat was awarded the freedom of Ramsey last year, after being informally adopted by several retailers.
He has been used as the subject for a number of reimagined classic works of art in an exhibition by Mannin Art group, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
Twenty paintings which feature the famous feline resident have gone on display in various shop windows throughout the town.
Wendy Turner from the art group came up with the idea for the trail and said she hopes it will encourage people from all around the island to visit Ramsey.
The trail features a wide variety of reimagined classics, including Munch’s The Scream, the Cat with the Pearl Earring, and Whisker’s Mother.
People are invited to walk around the town to try to spot all of the artworks hidden among shop window displays.
Ms Turner said they were keen to do something special for the occasion and said they had “really enjoyed doing it”.
She also hoped the trail would encourage more people to the town and “attract business”.
She said it would take about an hour to find all the paintings in their various locations.
“You can’t tell me in that time that somebody isn’t going to want a cup of coffee or a child isn’t going to want an ice cream,” she said.
There are three pieces in St Paul’s Square, which Ms Turner described as an “often forgotten area”, in which they hoped to increase footfall through the trail.
Chair of Mannin Art Tom Field said it also raised awareness of classic paintings, albeit with a feline twist: “Some of those paintings are well known… it might interest them in taking up painting too.”
Having only taken up painting and joining the group in 2020, he said it had become a big part of his life.
He said: “Sometimes I can just sit and paint and focus on it, and it’s very peaceful”.
As well as putting on the art trail, which runs until 22 August, there is also an exhibition of the group’s work in St Paul’s church hall to celebrate the milestone anniversary.
