Harlequin

Geoffrey Clarke was born in 1924 to an artistic family. His father, an architect and etcher, encouraged Clarke to use his own press at home. After brief studies, Clarke served in the RAF throughout WWII, picking up his artistic career upon his return. Printmaking aside, he became highly proficient at glasswork and his success in stained glass gained him notable commissions, including four windows in Lincoln Cathedral.

Living in Camden with his father’s press installed, Clarke experimented with aquatint as well as moving into the medium of sculpture. Alongside commissions in iron Clarke took advantage of the post-war architectural boom, producing large-scale works in various materials for significant buildings. His commissions include works for Suffolk College and Coventry Cathedral. In 1975 he was elected RA, and his work is held in major British collections.