The Manx Crosses Illuminated by Maureen Costain Richards R.B.V

Mrs Maureen Costain Richards R.B.V.

Besides being an accomplished researcher and author, Maureen Richards produced individually hand-crafted miniature replicas of the Manx crosses at her Port St Mary studio both on carved slate and in hammered pewter. These are now collectors’ items and much sought after.

Sadly, Mrs Richards died in 2004. Isleofman.com acknowledges the kind permission given by her husband Harold to reproduce illustrations and extracts from her book ‘The Manx Crosses Illuminated’. This book is also a collector’s item since only 250 hard-back and 750 soft-back copies were ever produced.

Maureen had carved a wide range of jewellery items and wall plaques based on the Manx, Celtic and Viking crosses which are so unique to the Isle of Man. She was a member of the Association of British Pewter Craftsmen and also worked in Manx slate and other materials.

Many of her items are ‘one only’ hand-carved originals and no machinery was ever used. Her work was often chosen for official presentations to many Royal and prestigious visitors to the Island.

In 1986, she was the first recipient of the Manx National Heritage Foundation National Award, the ‘Reith Bleeaney Vanannan’ Trophy which translates to ‘Manannan’s Choice of the Year’.