The artist Harry Clarke (1889-1931) was an integral part of cultural life in Ireland, especially in Dublin’s North Inner City, where his family’s stained glass studio was located. In late 2022 I was delighted to work with Dr. Margarita Cappock to complete a Feasibility into creating a Harry Clarke Museum in Dublin. Dublin lacks a single artist museum. Who better than Harry Clarke to form a celebration across art, literature and the specialism of stained glass. His work is held in a multitude of public collections, public buildings and of course in the adjacent Dublin City Hugh Lane Gallery. There are major works in The National Gallery of Ireland, Trinity College Dublin and the Crawford Gallery of Art in Cork. Many works are held internationally. Importantly, many of his stained glass windows are publicly accessibly through churches throughout the State.
In July 2023 the Strategic Policy Committee of Dublin City Council approved the project, and Failte Ireland has offered up 18 Parnell Square North for this hugely exciting addition to Dublin’s cultural infrastructure.
To see locations of Harry Clarke’ work throughout Ireland, see the map link HERE. The new Harry Clarke Museum will be a wonderful part of Dublin’s new Parnell Square Cultural Quarter.