I first discovered Harry Clarke on my way through the the west of Ireland in the summer of 2011. Looking back, I find it incredible that it took so long to discover the unique artist that was Harry Clarke.
By Thomas Hegarty
My wife and I had entered the town of Oughterard, when we saw a small sign pointing off the main road to a handmade candle workshop. Taking the diversion, we winded down the side road to eventually arrive at Connemara Candles. The owner greeted us, we made a purchase and commented on his beautiful stained glass front door. That’s when I first heard the name, Harry Clarke. Walter, the owner, asked had we been to the local church in Oughterard to see the Harry Clarke windows? I answered, ‘‘Who is Harry Clarke?’’ Looking back in embarrassment now.
So off we went to the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Oughterard town to see what all the fuss was about.
Entering the church, we both realised that we had been missing out on the beautiful stained glass windows of Harry Clarke and Harry Clarke Studios. on that day, neither of us had heard of Harry Clarke and his remarkable story.
The detail is remarkable.
Oughterard
The Church of the Immaculate Conception
However, we have travelled around Ireland, to places such as An Daingean in Kerry and Mount Melleray in County Waterford to marvel at Harry Clarke’s stained glass windows. His masterpieces can be seen in churches around the world and not just in Ireland.
The story of Harry Clarke, like his art, is remarkable.
Born in Dublin on 17th March 1889 (St Patrick’s Day) he lived a short life of just 41 years, passing away on 6th January 1931 (the Christian feast day of The Epiphany).
During his life, Harry Clarke created over 150 windows and a number of panels for churches and private establishments in Ireland, England, the USA and Australia.
The art critic Tom Walker once wrote of Harry Clarke, "It is clear that Harry Clarke and his chosen media - stained glass and book illustration - are now central to any sense of early 20th-century Irish art. Lennox Robinson, wrote on Clarke's death that his art would live on for "our generation, and for generations to come", and said of his colors, "They will shine and glow; those blues and reds - how he loved blue! - an inspiration to the faithful".
His biography is well described here. Enjoy doing your own research into The genius who was Harry Clarke, you will not be disappointed by the twists and turns you will find.
I hope my post gives you a new or renewed interest in the greatest Irish stained glass artist that Ireland has ever seen.
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