Mayo Historical and Archaeological Society
Castlebar born artist to be honoured in Swinford.
By Maureen Murphy.
18, Jul 2007 - 19:30

Swinford Richard King Appreciation Society in conjunction with

Siamsa Sráide and Mayo County Council Arts Committee

Presents

The Art of Richard King in Swinford Parish Church

A talk by

Ruth Sheehy M.Litt. TCD.

On

Friday 3^rd August at 8 p.m.

In the

Church of Our Lady of Christians, Swinford.

Artist Kenneth King admires one of his father's works in Swinford Church. Photo: Micheal Murphy.

 

The talk is part of the commemoration ceremonies to mark the centenary of the birth of this great liturgical artist. Richard King was born in Castlebar where his father was an RIC officer. The family moved to Westport where Richard attended school and where his artistic talent was developed. Later, Richard attended the College of Art in Dublin and completed his training at the Harry Clarke studio. He took over the management of that studio following Harry Clarke’s death and later opened his own studio in Dalkey.

Among his many commissions are windows in Newport Church and in Tuam Cathedral as well as the Stations of the Cross, in enamel, in Dunmore Church. Swinford is the only church where his art is displayed under two media, (glass and oil) in the colourful stained glass and in the Stations of the Cross.

In addition to his liturgical work, Richard King designed a number of Irish postage stamps. The cover of the Capuchin Annual was also his design.

Ruth Sheehy has carried out extensive research on the life and works of Richard King and this is an opportunity for all art and history lovers to get an insight into the work of this great artist.