Harry Clarke Windows

Heritage in Schools Specialist, Bernadette Doherty worked with Averil Staunton, Historical Ballinrobe, in introducing Harry Clarke to Ms Canney and Ms Cunnanne’s 6^th class pupils at Ballinrobe Primary School.

St. Mary’s Church , Ballinrobe is home to one of the largest collections of Harry Clarke windows. Through the medium of stain glass the pupils were brought back through time exploring their local heritage. Invaluable expertise of Averil Staunton (Author of Harry Clarke’s Liquid Light) accompanied each group on a tour. Working in groups, they picked their favourite window and prepared material for Historical Ballinrobe Website. In preparing material for a website, the children were made aware of digital contributions, researching techniques, tagging and the use of pictures and colour. Each window told a story, either from the bible or about the saints they portrayed. Did you know that Saint Brendan was a navigator, or Saint Enda loved animals?

Stain Glass in Classroom

Class groups decided on a theme for their own stain glass project. Each child created their personal symbols reflecting their individuality. These were then put together to create one large stain glass in their classrooms. The results were fantastic. Ms Canney’s class decided to put their personal symbols in blocks, which in turn were put together to build a bridge over the River Robe. Ms Cunnane’s class went with the theme of ‘Hollywood Walk of Fame’. Each pupil put their name on a star and designed it to reflect their interests and heritage.