Plaque Unveiled to Mark Birth Place of Harry Clarke, Irish Stained Glass Artist & Illustrator
Dublin City Council today marked the unveiling of a commemorative plaque at 33 North Frederick Street to honour the birthplace of Harry Clarke, one of Ireland’s most celebrated stained glass artists and illustrators.
Born at this North Frederick Street address, Clarke grew up in a household that combined family life with his father Joshua Clarke’s church decoration and stained glass business. This early exposure shaped his artistic path, leading him to become a master of stained glass and a defining figure in Ireland’s artistic heritage.
Clarke’s work spans over 130 stained glass windows across Ireland and internationally, alongside a celebrated body of book illustrations, including works inspired by Hans Christian Andersen, Edgar Allan Poe and Goethe’s Faust. His distinctive style, noted for its rich colour, intricate detail and luminous quality, set him apart during what is often described as a golden age of Irish stained glass.
Among his most iconic works are the Eve of St Agnes in the Hugh Lane Gallery, the windows of the Honan Chapel in Cork, as well as his renowned panels in Bewley’s Café on Grafton Street, which remain some of the most widely viewed examples of his art today.
Speaking at the unveiling, 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 acknowledged the presence of Clarke’s descendants at the unveiling including his granddaughters, great granddaughter and great great granddaughter.
Dr. Barbara Dawson, Director of the Hugh Lane Gallery also spoke at the unveiling.
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. Today’s unveiling marks the 74th plaque approved under the scheme.”
The plaque proposer was Suzanne Grufferty. Permission to erect the plaque outside 33 North Frederick Street was given by the property owners, Dr Roger Grufferty and Dr Mary O’Neill.
