Minister Launches Stamp honouring Stained Glass Artist Harry Clarke
21 March 2006
The 48c stamp features an image of St. Hubert, which forms part of a stained glass window designed in 1921 by Clarke and now housed in the Church of Ireland, Carnalway, Co. Kildare.
Speaking as he unveiled the new stamp, Minister Dempsey said:
“Harry Clarke’s unique style singled him out as one of the greatest artists in his field, eventually leading to global recognition, and his legacy lives on in present generations. I am proud to launch this new postage stamp to commemorate Harry Clarke’s vast and varied body of work.”
Speaking at the event, An Post Chairperson Margaret McGinley said:
“We are delighted to issue this stamp and to launch it here in Dublin’s Central Model Primary School which Harry attended as a child. The stamp combines with the magnificent stained glass windows produced by the children who participated in the An Post-sponsored Stained Glass Project to form a most impressive, lasting tribute to Harry Clarke.”
Born in Dublin in 1889, Harry Clarke’s work showed outstanding promise from the outset. He won four Gold Medals in the Board of Education National Competition, including his first entry, and crafted five stunning windows, installed in the Honan Chapel of University College, Cork, clinching his reputation as one of the world’s finest stained glass designers.
During the 1920s he taught design in the Metropolitan School of Art, and in 1930 established the Harry Clarke Studios in North Great Frederick Street. After years of ill health, he died in Geneva in 1931, aged just 41.
His masterpiece is generally considered to be the window commissioned by the Irish Government in 1927 for presentation to the International Labour Organisation in Geneva, which depicts scenes from the works of contemporary Irish writers. Ironically the finished piece was rejected by the Government of the day and was subsequently bought by a private collector in the United States. It is now on public display in the University of Florida in Miami.
Central Model School was one of five primary schools* which participated in a very special Stained Glass Project, hosted by the children’s cultural centre The Ark, supported by An Post and inspired by the writings of Hans Christian Andersen and the graphic illustrations of his fairytales by Harry Clarke. Contemporary stained glass artist Peter Young worked with 6th class children from the five schools to produce a stained-glass window for their classrooms.
Designed by Steve Simpson, the stamp and special First Day Cover are available from main Post Offices, the GPO Philatelic Shop (Tel: 01 705 7400) and online at www.irishstamps.ie
*The other participating schools were: Loreto Primary School, D2; Scoil NaithÃ, Ballinteer, D16; CBS James’ St, D8 and Archbishop Ryan Primary School, Dublin 22.
Please contact the Press Office for further information.
