An exhibition of photographs of some of the Island’s best loved buildings is at Noa Bakehouse from 6 July until the end of the month.
 
The photographs are those entered into the Isle of Architecture #ilovethisbuilding competition, with ran in Gallery magazine between April and June 2017.  Entrants were asked to send an original photograph of their favourite building with a short paragraph saying why they chose it, as part of the #ilovethisbuilding initiative.  
 
The judges chose the night view of the Sound Cafe by Paul Ward as the winner of the fabulous prize: a voucher for ?300 for a stay at the Manx National Heritage 4* self-catering cottage Yn Thie Thooit, at the Lhen in the north of the Island, and a hamper of local produce and bottle of champagne to enjoy during his stay.
 
Competition judges were Chris Thomas MHK (Chairman of Culture Vannin), editor of Gallery, Steve Redford, architect Tony Pass (a previous trustee of Manx National Heritage) and photographer and architect Patricia Tutt, who says:
 
“We were delighted to have the opportunity to judge this competition which produced some fresh new viewpoints on Manx buildings old and new.  The contributors’ statements and memories were also fascinating and evocative.
 
“Several images caught our eye,” Patricia continues, “and these are the commended entries, but we singled out the Paul Ward’s night shot of the Sound Cafe as being an imaginative and inspiring revisionist view of what is, to most of us, a very familiar building. It also brings home to us how lucky we are to be able to see the night sky so clearly, despite the lights of Manx towns being conspicuously visible on satellite imagery of the earth.”
 
Of his winning entry, Paul said that he chose the Sound Cafe because it offers a fantastic view of the sound and Calf of Man in all weathers.

“The large frame-less 180 degree glass wall mean you can take in the views in the worst of weather and have a bowl of Manx Broth or a cool drink in the summer,” he says.  “With its turf roof and stone walls, it's a great mix of natural and modern. At night time it offers brilliant views too as it is an official Dark Sky Discovery Site giving fantastic views of the night sky."
 
Isle of Architecture began in July last year and has been an exciting year-long celebration of the built environment, encouraging appreciation of the Isle of Man’s rich and varied architectural heritage and promote the value of good, appropriate modern design. It is supported by the Trustees of Manx Heritage, Culture Vannin and the Society of Architects
 
The Isle of Architecture #ilovethisbuilding exhibition is at Noa Bakehouse in Douglas until 31 July.

Photo - winning image:  a night view of the Sound Cafe by Paul Ward.