One hundred years of racing on the TT Mountain Circuit will be celebrated in a series of specially commissioned paintings going on show for the first time today (Friday). The Isle of Man Arts Council commissioned artist Michael Starkey to produce 20 landscapes to commemorate 100 years of the TT 1911-2011. The first 10 completed paintings in the ‘Racing Through Time’ series will be on display from mid-afternoon around the first floor exhibition space of the Villa Marina for the duration of the TT festival. Additionally an enlargement of his painting depicting the crowd outside Ramsey Town Hall in Parliament Square during the 1957 TT will be on show in the passenger lounge in Douglas Sea Terminal. Measuring seven feet by 10 feet six inches, it will transport race fans back to the first ever 100mph lap of the TT course, by enabling them to have their photo taken against the backdrop as though they were present. It will also serve to promote the exhibition of the first 10 paintings at the Villa Marina. Quintin Gill MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council, said: ‘This project commenced in December 2010 and it’s impressive that Michael Starkey has already produced 10 paintings of historic times in the TT’s history with his meticulous research and attention to detail. Every painting has been thoroughly researched, even down to the precise weather conditions of a particular place at the moment in time he has elected to recreate in gouache. Our intention is to hold an exhibition of all 20 paintings during the Manx Grand Prix later this year but having the first 10 on public display during the TT will give people a flavour of what’s to come.’ Admission is free to the exhibition at the Villa Marina and to see/photograph the enlargement in the Sea Terminal. The paintings will remain on show until 12th June 2011. Following exhibition of Michael Starkey’s works in 2011, the ‘Racing Through Time’ paintings will become part of the Arts Council’s loan collection, displayed in local schools and public buildings. The Arts Council would like to thank the Department of Infrastructure and the TT & Motorsport team of IoM Tourism, part of the Department of Economic Development, for their co-operation in enabling the exhibition of paintings to take place during TT2011. For further information please contact the Isle of Man Arts Council on 694598, or email iomartscouncil@dtl.gov.im alternatively, visit www.iomarts.com Details of completed paintings: Kate’s Cottage 1911 (originally called Tate’s Cottage). The gate is open ready for O.C. Godfrey to race through on his Indian motorbike. He was the first winner of the Senior Race on the TT Mountain Course. The Bungalow 1922 Tom Sheard was first Manxman to win in the TT. Here the crowd wait to cheer him on. Governor’s Bridge 1937 The flag marshal and spectators listen for the arrival of Freddie Frith in the Senior Race. He went on to win and become the first ever rider to lap at over 90mph. Hillberry 1947 This peaceful country scene will soon change with the arrival of Harold Daniell riding a Norton in the Senior to compete in and win the first TT following the end of the Second World War. Parliament Square, Ramsey 1957 At 11.40am spectators wait for Bob McIntyre to arrive on his second lap of the Senior Race on the first ever 100mph lap of the TT Mountain Circuit. TT Grandstand 1959 Threatening skies did not delay the start of the 1959 Senior, which started off overcast but dry but on the second lap the rains came. John Surtees went on to win in heavy rain and it is said he had to be helped off his machine as he was so cold after this gruelling race. Ballaugh Bridge 1960 The flag marshal on the other side of the bridge awaits Derek Minter riding a Norton, who was to become the first rider to reach 100mph on a single cylinder machine. Les Graham Memorial 1961 The marshal waits for Mike Hailwood who went on to win his first of fourteen TT Races whilst becoming the first rider to finish with three wins in a week (125cc and 250cc on Honda machines, and in the Senior on Norton). Braddan Church 1967 Considered by many as the greatest TT race ever on the Island, the battle between Giacomo Agostini on an MV and Mike Hailwood on a Honda. Here the crowd awaits the contest. TT Grandstand 1973 The scene depicts preparation for the Senior Race which was to become the last year the Island held the World Championship status. -Ends-