Harry Clarke Stained Glass Windows

Internationally the name of Harry Clarke is synonymous with quality craftsmanship and imaginative genius in his stained glass work. His use of deep rich colours, his delicate depiction of beautiful elongated figures with their finely carved features and deep expressive eyes, is indeed magical to behold. During his short life Harry created over 160 stained glass windows for religious and commercial commissions throughout Ireland and England, and as far a field as the USA and Australia. Also an illustrator of books for Harrap and Co. in London, Harry illustrated books that show his undoubted genius in the area of graphic art.

We remember our dear cousin, friend and colleague, Raymond J. McGovern (1945-2019) who passed away recently. Raymond was such a vivacious member of the Harry Clarke team who helped in the research and promotion of ‘Strangest Genius’ and was interviewed in our documentary, ‘A revel in blue’ (2010), in the role of Dublin historian. Raymond’s knowledge of Dublin history and art was second to none, and his love of Harry Clarke’s windows was indeed passionate and never-ending. We were lucky enough to film Raymond in August when he was interviewed for our upcoming film, ‘Journey through Glass’. Raymond was as full of life as ever and it was wonderful to spend an afternoon with him in St. Joseph’s Church, Terenure where he was as excited as a child at Christmas to once again discuss the beauty and uniqueness of Clarke’s windows. We will really miss our dear cousin. Wishing you love and light always Raymond.

Harry Clarke, Irish stained-glass artist and illustrator, is confined to a Swiss sanatorium, suffering from Tuberculosis, far from his family and his work in the Studios in Dublin. Ravaged by illness, the rejection of the Geneva Window, and the effects of medication, Clarke is visited by friends, both real and imaginary. As darkness falls on a January evening in 1931, the arrival of his two best friends unleashes an inner psychic battle to free himself from the hellish fears of his childhood and to accomplish his one final quest, to travel back home. This drama in three acts is a fictional account of the final day of Harry Clarke. Buy this book Amazon UK : Amazon USA

Dark Beauty focuses on the minute detail in Harry Clarke's stained-glass windows, particularly in the borders and lower panels of his work. Clarke's brilliance as a graphic artist is clearly visible in his book illustrations, which are imbued with precise attention to intricate designs, and he applied the same lavish focus to every facet of his stained glass.

The title 'Dark Beauty' refers to the duality of Clarke's work that sees delicate angels juxtaposed with macabre, grotesque figures, and represents the partially hidden details that dwell in the background of his windows - motifs, accessories, flora, fauna and diminutive characters - which may be missed in light of the dominance of the central subjects.

The authors spent many years photographing Clarke's windows in Ireland, England, America and Australia, and the resulting 60,000 photos have been carefully whittled down to 500 glorious images. Dark Beauty will provide lovers of Clarke's stained glass with the opportunity to view previously obscured or unnoticed details in all their unique beauty and inspire their own travels to view Clarke's work.

Harry Clarke (1889 to 1931) Web Site Update 2019/2010

Harry Clarke (1889 to 1931) was undoubtedly Ireland’s greatest stained glass artist.

Harry Clarke Project (Not Harry Clarke Studios)

Harry Clarke Studios

On this site

A Revel In Blue: The Life and Work of Harry Clarke 'DVD' Click Here

Raymond J. McGovern

New Book 2019 : The Last Day of Harry Clarke

New Book 2019 : Dark Beauty: Hidden Detail in Harry Clarke’s Stained Glass

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