Plaque Unveiled to Honour Michael Healy, Irish Stained Glass Artist
A plaque to commemorate Michael Healy, founding artist of An Túr Gloine and pioneering master of Irish stained glass, was today unveiled by Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Ray McAdam, at 21 Pleasants Street, Dublin 8.
Regarded as one of Ireland’s most recognised stained-glass artists, Michael Healy was born in Dublin in 1873. He showed incredible talent at an early age, and studied at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art, now the National College of Art and Design. After this, he spent 18 months in Florence, Italy, attending an art school there. This time spent studying in Florence would deeply influence his artistic style.
In January 1903, he joined An Túr Gloine, which marked the beginning of his major work in stained glass. From this point, Healy became one of Ireland’s leading stained glass artists. His work, which often combined religious and Celtic designs, was soon featured in windows in churches across Ireland, including St Eunan’s cathedral in Letterkenny and the Augustinian Church, John Street, Dublin. Healy also commissioned buildings abroad, including in New York and Chicago.
Speaking at the unveiling, Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Ray McAdam said, “Today we celebrate Michael Healy, a master of stained glass whose artistry shaped Irish art. Through his remarkable work with An Túr Gloine, he set new standards of creativity and shaped a new pathway for Irish art. It’s a privilege to honour his legacy today with this plaque, which celebrates not only his extraordinary talent but also his lasting influence on generations of Irish artists.”
The decision to erect the plaque was made 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.”
