J.D. Looney memorial medal for those who have conducted Manx choirs, 1920-29 (pewter)

This medal was designed by Archibald Knox to commemorate Joseph Daniel Looney, in recognition of his work with Manx music. The pewter medallion bears the name J. D. Looney on one side, and on the other the inscription 'Memorial of his work as Conductor of Choirs. Manx Festival. Given as award to those who have conducted a choir for three successive years.' The medal is housed in a black leather case. Looney died in 1919. His obituary stated: "The late Mr Looney undoubtedly possessed musical genius of a high order — perhaps he was the greatest force, so far as music is concerned, ever produced in the Isle of Man." Looney first came to prominence as a solo singer. Later he acheived some note as conductor of the Excelsior Glee Club. When music festivals became popular before the First World War he took a Manx choir to compete in England and acheived remarkable success. His choir gained first prize in the choral competitions held at the Morecambe, Blackpool, and Isle of Man festivals in the same year, a feat that no conductor ever equalled.