The Memorial Window and Artist William MacBride

The High School Great War Memorial window was designed and made by William MacBride, one of the most respected artists working in glass in Ireland when the window was commissioned in 1919. Originally, William MacBride worked in the North Frederick Street studio, with Joshua Clarke, father of famed artist, Harry Clarke, who considered MacBride 'the greatest artist as glass painter it was ever (his) pleasure to meet.'  (Bowe 2012)

The French Window St. Patrick's Cathedral, by W. MacBride.

They worked together on the beautiful 'French Window', in St. Patrick's Cathedral, in 1917, which commemorates three members of the French family, who died in the war. The story goes that one of the brothers brought home a piece of glass from the destroyed cathedral at Ypres while on leave.  That same piece of glass was used by MacBride in the widow that later would commemorate the brothers deaths.
(http://www.stpatrickscathedral.ie/)

Close-ups of the High School Great War Memorial Window 

An obvious favourite in the Clarke studios, his employer described MacBride as 'a thorough gentleman ... quiet, respectful and steady.'   (Bowe 2012)  MacBride worked with Harry Clarke, who was just four years his junior, on the three windows in The Sacred Heart Church, Donnybrook, MacBride making the central light, while Clarke takes credit for the other two.
(To see these windows click here.)

Throughout his career, he was a regular exhibitor in the Royal Hibernian Academy and produced paintings and metal work as well as glass art.  Joshua Clarke died in 1921, but by then the Ballymena born artist had set-up a co-operative studio, at 39 Harcourt Street, called The Craftworkers Ltd.

'The Craftworkers' was a co-operative company of artists and craftmen, including Albert Power, William MacBride and Jack Morrow, each working in their own favoured medium, while producing high quality work, typical of the
Arts an Crafts movement of the late nineteenth century. (Lamour, 1992)

At the end of the Great War, the demand for stained glass memorial windows was such that William MacBride's glass work was much in demand. He produced fine windows in churches around the country, including St. John's Church in Belfast, St. Bridgid's in Birr, Offaly and St. George's church in Hardwicke Place, Dublin.

One can see that there is a clear artistic continuity between these windows, very much in keeping with the resurgent interest in medieval art and folklore that was happening in Irish culture at the time.  Indeed, the window looks every bit as vibrant as any illuminated manuscript, and more so as light floods through it.

Similarly, the window is full of symbolic references: the angels carry torches, representing a love of knowledge and learning; and likewise the laurel wreath, symbolises poetry, while the releasing of doves signifies the arrival of peace.

Note how the 'Justice' figure in the right light, who carries the scales of justice, is dressed in regal ermine. Yet, this is clearly a Celtic prince, with green robes and sporting a golden shamrock in his crown.  

The 'Peace' figure too, who holds the touch of learning high, also carries an open book, itself an ornately designed manuscript.  Like the other figures, she is dressed in Celtic robes, a green sash over her back pinned, there by a beautiful Tara-styled brooch. Perhaps it signifies 'Peace in Ireland', a valiant hope for the country in 1922. 

Even the victorious youth, clad in silver armour is draped in a cape tied with a Celtic brooch.  Such ancient Celtic artifacts were celebrated and copied by the Celtic Arts Revival Movement, to which MacBride so clearly belonged.  There can be no doubt that this is an Irish soldier, whose down-turned sword will go into battle no more. The symbolic importance of green, white and gold, chosen as the preferred colour of the angels' garb cannot be understated.  It seems, for MacBride at least, that heaven is full of Irish angels, going by the colour of their attire.  A fitting notion indeed for the High School Irishmen who had died in the war.  

Notice how the widow is covered with intricate patterned swirls and knots, that would not be out of place in the Book of Kells, and how Irish medieval architecture is represented repeatedly in the tiny round towers and castles that dot the window's frame.

According to Thom's Directory, William MacBride remained working at 39 Harcourt Street until 1961 at least. Should you know something about this somewhat forgotten Irish artist, please do not hesitate to get in touch using the contact form opposite.  We would be delighted to learn more about this very talented artist whose work is such an important part of High School's history and is still enjoyed by our students today.

By Michelle Burrowes (c) 2014 All rights reserved.

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The following is an extract from school magazine, The Erasmian as it reported on the unveiling of the window, on the third anniversary of the Armistice, 11th November 1923:

 'Lord HolmPatrick, D.S.O., M.C., accepting the memorial on behalf of the Governors, mentioned that nearly one thousand old boys from the High School joined up for the war. How many of those boys, he asked, had in July, 1914, the slightest idea of joining the Army? He thought
that they could probably count them on the fingers of one hand. But they heard the call of duty and they rallied at once. If the present members of the High School took those old boys as their example they would not go far wrong in life. "Keep them in mind," Lord HolmPatrick concluded, "and you will always turn up when the call for duty comes."

The Memorial consists of a three-light stained-glass window, on either side of which are placed on the wall brass tablets inscribed with the names of the sixty-nine Old Boys of the School who lost their lives in the war. Above is a scroll, adorned with palm-leaves, and bearing the words: "To the glory of God, and in memory of the Old Boys of this School who lost their lives in the Great War, 1914-18". Each tablet measures six feet by two.  The first tablet, which bears the inscription: " Death is swallowed up in victory," contains 35 names.  The second bears the inscription: "Their name liveth to all generations," and has 34 names.

The window has three lights; the centre and largest represents Victory, and the two side ones represent Justice and Peace. Peace is gained by the triumph of Justice. "Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other." In the centre light the chief figure is a youthful knight in full armour, who, having fought the good fight, now rests upon his sword.

He typifies the young heroes who cheerfully answered the call of duty and honour, scorning all toiland sacrifice; while the angels above offering gifts and laurel leaves signify that those who gave their lives will be held in proud and lasting memory.

In the background another knight on horseback carries on high the School banner in the glorious triumph which public school traditions and training did SO much to achieve.

Underneath are the School arms, with children holding out the School motto: " We arc faithful to our trust." The window on the left represents Peace, surrounded by symbolic doves, and raising aloft the Torch of Learning.'

By Michelle Burrowes







References:
l.   The Arts and Crafts Movement in Ireland by Paul Larmour 1992
2.  Harry Clarke: The Life & Work by Professor Nicola Gordon Bowe 2012
3.. The Erasmian, March 1922  ( P204 THE ERASMIAN March 1922. Courtesy the Board of Governors of the Schools founded by Erasmus Smith Esq.)