Anderson's Fairy Tales by Harry Clarke

16 May - 23 August 2009. In 2008 ten treasures in the form of watercolour illustrations by Harry Clarke were donated to Ireland's National Gallery. Clarke was a Dublin-born master of illustration and stained glass and is today rightly recognised worldwide as an artistic genius. In 1916 he was commissioned by a London publishing house to provide colour illustrations for Hans Christian Anderson's 'Fairytales' which included 'The Wild Swans' and 'The Snow Queen'. Clarke was inspired by the great illustrators of Victorian times such as Aubrey Beardsley and Arthur Rackham, but his style was truly his own and his imagination astoundingly rich. In addition to these spectacular designs, the National Gallery has a further six black and white Clarke illustrations that it acquired in 1936. Due to their fragile condition, viewing is by appointment. For further details consult www.nationalgallery.ie

Mon-Sat: 09.30-17.30 Thurs: 09.30-20.30 Sun: 12.00-17.30