Back in 1981 I recall visiting the National Gallery in Dublin's Parnell Square. I walked into a dark room and unexpectedly witnessed the most beautiful and profound works of art I had ever seen. In this tranquil darkness was a stunning sequence of backlit stain glass panels depicting the story in the John Keats poem "The Eve of St. Agnes". At the time I knew nothing of the genius behind the works - Irish artist Harry Clarke. I was mesmerised by the deep colours and especially his use of rich light and dark blue tones. The figures and details in each panel moved me so much. I loved the immersion and challenge of studying the intriguing fable unfolding in each image. I was in a surreal fairlytale world from a different era.
At the time I was a keen photographer and was particularly enjoying slide photography. I instantly knew that these wonderful stain glass images would look amazing blown up on a big projection screen. Slide photography really shows off the fine subtle colour variations in dark images.
I will spare readers details of the efforts I made in the following months via contacts to get permission to photograph "The Eve of St. Agnes" collection. Sadly it didn't happen.
Today my love of Harry Clarke's stained glass was rekindled at my local library. I have out on loan a beautifully illustrated large book called "Strangest Genius - the stained glass of Harry Clarke" by Lucy Costigan and Michael Cullen. It's a terrific book and has revitalised my love of the magical Eve of St. Agnes and indeed all of Harry Clarke's stain glass art. Many of his other works appear in churches throughout Ireland.
As I write I'm amused at the serendipity that today, 20th January, actually is the eve of the feast of St Agnes! You should Google the intriguing legend relating to the Eve of St. Agnes - all to do with maidens going to sleep and having visions of their future husband. The John Keats poem of same name is very worthy of a read and of course Harry Clarke is following the storyline of the poem in this stained glass art collection.
At the time I was a keen photographer and was particularly enjoying slide photography. I instantly knew that these wonderful stain glass images would look amazing blown up on a big projection screen. Slide photography really shows off the fine subtle colour variations in dark images.
I will spare readers details of the efforts I made in the following months via contacts to get permission to photograph "The Eve of St. Agnes" collection. Sadly it didn't happen.
Today my love of Harry Clarke's stained glass was rekindled at my local library. I have out on loan a beautifully illustrated large book called "Strangest Genius - the stained glass of Harry Clarke" by Lucy Costigan and Michael Cullen. It's a terrific book and has revitalised my love of the magical Eve of St. Agnes and indeed all of Harry Clarke's stain glass art. Many of his other works appear in churches throughout Ireland.
As I write I'm amused at the serendipity that today, 20th January, actually is the eve of the feast of St Agnes! You should Google the intriguing legend relating to the Eve of St. Agnes - all to do with maidens going to sleep and having visions of their future husband. The John Keats poem of same name is very worthy of a read and of course Harry Clarke is following the storyline of the poem in this stained glass art collection.
10 comments:
Can anyone please help me. I'm looking for a picture of the signature on the Eve of St Agnes piece. (the ship on the horizon one) I don't have time to track down the book now as I need it quickly, and I can't find a clear image online.
Any help would be much appreciated.
Hi , John
I am a researcher at Universidade Estadual Paulista (a State University in São Paulo), Brazil, and I'm meeting with very much difficulties to get the rights of the use of stained glass images of this artist for academic purposes.
Could you help me? I would be happy if you get in touch. Thanks
Teresa
My email is te.midori @ gmail.com
Hi Folks. I'm no expert but good info and links are on recently launched website www.harryclarke.net . Teresa - I emailed you this a few days ago.
Hi John
I absolutely love the eve of st agnes and have been trying to find enlarged prints. Do you know if any exist?
Ursula
Good question Ursula. I'm not aware of prints but you could make enquiries at www.harryclarke.net
I discovered your web site via Google while looking for a related subject, lucky for me your web site came up, its a great website. I have bookmarked it in my Google bookmarks. You really are a phenomenal person with a brilliant mind!
I had no clue that there was an accompanying work of art to my favorite keats poem. It really makes you wonder. It would be cool to receive a replica of this for Christmas shopping 2012
If anyone here likes fashion, please check out my fashion street blog
! Thanks!
Great film here on Harry Clarke - http://www.camelproductions.net/
... forgot to give title of the film - Harry Clarke - Darkness In Light
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