By Alexis Dainty
Harry Clarke was born 1889 in Dublin, Ireland into a family of printers and church decorators. After leaving home for his education, he courted a career in stained glass design and developed his craft at university. While working on his stained glass, Clarke began simultaneously submitting illustrations for various publications and exhibitions. His illustrations were known to be as precise as they were flamboyant, containing fantastical patterns and characters. Clarke’s illustrations were featured in over 7 publications and over 160 stained glass pieces were installed before his death in 1931. By the end of his life, Harry Clarke had etched himself into history as one of the foremost leaders of the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement; his work represents a high point of illustration culture in the twentieth century.
Hans Christian Andersen, Fairy Tales (London: G.G Harrap & Company, 1916) Tulane University Special Collections 839.818 A546fX C59