Coinciding with the Isle of Man British Legion Poppy Appeal launch on Saturday 26th October is a fascinating exhibition called “Shadow of The Bomb” will be running until 11th November.
Between 1952 and 1967, in the largest Tri-service operation since the D-Day Landings, over 20,000 servicemen participated in British Nuclear Weapon Tests. The cost in human terms has never been fully calculated nor appreciated, in the blinding light of the bombs a shadow was cast across the lives of so many people
This exhibition is special to the Isle of Man firstly because there were many from the Isle of Man that took part, secondly that the Isle of Man Government is one of the few to recognise these servicemen and thirdly because the exhibition, which was last seen at The Conservative Party Conference , features the work of Artist Gary Bennett who lives on The Isle of Man. Gary has used his lifetime experiences serving in the forces to bring a very emotional angle to the exhibition both in paintings and sculptures.
Nigel Heaps, the Chair of the BNTVA said "We are honoured and excited about coming to the Isle of Man to display the Shadow of the Bomb exhibition and share the experiences of our British nuclear test veterans, which included many from the Isle of Man. The exhibition is part of our wider campaign for recognition from the UK government for the contribution to the service of the nation our veterans made during the nuclear test programme. The works reflect the mental anguish many veterans have experienced over the years about whether they have been exposed to radiation and the impact it may have on their children and grandchildren."
A special reception is being held in The Strand on Sunday afternoon - 27th October at 3pm to 5pm and anyone who has been associated with the nuclear tests would be made most welcome and is encouraged to attend.
The exhibition opens at 11am until 5 pm each day and finishes on Monday 11th November.
