Harry Clarke commemorative plaque unveiled at Dublin birthplace
Dublin City Council has today unveiled a commemorative plaque at 33 North Frederick Street, celebrating the birthplace of Harry Clarke, amongst Ireland's most renowned stained glass artists and illustrators.Clarke was born at the North Frederick Street location, raised in a home where family life intertwined with his father Joshua Clarke's church decoration and stained glass enterprise. This environment influenced his creative journey, establishing him as a legend of stained glass and a pivotal figure in Ireland's cultural legacy.His portfolio encompasses more than 130 stained glass windows throughout Ireland and beyond, complemented by an acclaimed collection of book illustrations, featuring pieces inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, Edgar Allan Poe and Goethe's Faust. His unmistakable approach, characterised by vibrant colour, elaborate detail and radiant quality, distinguished him during what many consider a golden era of Irish stained glass.His most celebrated creations include the Eve of St Agnes at the Hugh Lane Gallery, the windows of the Honan Chapel in Cork, alongside his famous panels in Bewley's Café on Grafton Street, which continue to be amongst the most frequently seen examples of his artistry. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said: "It is an honour to stand at the house where the genius of light and colour first practised his art.""Harry Clarke's work represents one of the most remarkable chapters in the history of Irish art, and his legacy continues to illuminate churches, cultural spaces and public imagination across Ireland and beyond. Despite his life being cut short at the age of 41, Harry Clarke's artistic legacy endures as a cornerstone of Irish cultural identity. Today's unveiling ensures that his contribution will be remembered and celebrated in the very place where his remarkable journey began."The Lord Mayor recognised the attendance of Clarke's descendants at the ceremony, including his granddaughters, great granddaughter and great great granddaughter.Dr Barbara Dawson, Director of the Hugh Lane Gallery, also addressed those gathered at the unveiling. The plaque's installation was approved by the Dublin City Council Commemorations & Naming Committee, whose chair, Councillor Donna Cooney, said: "The Commemorative Plaques Scheme allows the City to formally commemorate people who have made a significant contribution to the life of Dublin.""We welcome suggestions from the public for people and events to be commemorated. Full details are on the Council website. Today's unveiling marks the 74th plaque approved under the scheme."The individual who proposed the plaque was Suzanne Grufferty. The green light to install the plaque outside 33 North Frederick Street was granted by the property owners, Dr Roger Grufferty and Dr Mary O'Neill.Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
