The painter, who famously worked with stained glass, has died aged 71
Music legend Sir Paul McCartney has led tributes to ‘dear friend’ Sir Brian Clarke, following his death aged 71.
The Oldham-born artist worked with stained glass during an esteemed 50-year career, having painted his first window aged 17.
From humble beginnings, Sir Brian went on to achieve global recognition for his work, before being knighted in the 2024 New Year Honours.
He is best known for his work at the Al Faisaliyah Centre in Riyadh, the Royal Mosque of King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the Stamford Cone in Connecticut, USA – a 14-metre-high, stained glass pavilion.
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Sir Brian also designed the cover for Sir Paul McCartney’s 1982 solo album Tug of War, with the former Beatles star paying tribute to the late artist in a moving Instagram post.
He said: “Brian Clarke was a dear friend of our family whom we had known for years. Sadly, he passed away recently but we all have lovely memories of the times we had together. We always laughed.
“Brian often had some great artistic endeavours to show or talk to us about. He made some stained glass windows for us and did a great collaboration with Linda using her photographs to make stained glass pictures out of.
“He was commissioned to make stained glass for Bahrain Airport (Concordia), Stansted Airport (a collaboration with Sir Norman Foster), and Queen Victoria Street Arcade in Leeds, and these are just some of the works he was famous for.
“Ever since I met him in the 70s with Robert Fraser the art dealer, we always had the best times together. We will all miss him but have fond memories of him to cherish and his incredible artwork to remind us of Brian himself.”
Sir Brian was born into a working class family, with his father Edward working as a miner, and his mother Lilian working at a cotton mill.
He was described by London’s Heni gallery, which showcased much of his work, as the ‘most important artist working in stained glass’.
A statement from Heni announcing his death read: “A visionary artist and cherished friend, he will be missed.”
Sir Brian created stained glass for commemorative works including the Holocaust Memorial Synagogue (Neue Synagogue) in Darmstadt, Germany, and also designed an artwork in 2010 for the Papal Chapel of the Apostolic Nunciature in London, for Pope Benedict XVI’s state visit to the United Kingdom.
He was also patron of the Brian Clarke Church of England Academy, in Oldham, which was named after him.
A statement from the school said: “We’re deeply saddened to share the news that Sir Brian Clarke, our school’s patron and namesake, passed away on July 1, 2025.
“Sir Brian was more than a world-renowned artist – he was a kind, generous soul who never forgot his Oldham roots. He believed in young people, in creativity, and in the power of education to change lives.
“That’s why he gave his name to our school, and why he gave so much of himself to support it. Even our school badge was designed by Sir Brian.
“One of the most beautiful gifts he left us is the stunning stained glass window that now stands proudly in our school. Just this week, it formed the backdrop to our science celebration event with another proud Oldhamer, Professor Brian Cox – a moment that brought together science, art, and inspiration.
“Sir Brian was given an honourable mention during the event, and it felt right. His presence was felt in the light, the colour, and the spirit of the day.
“As we head into our fourth year of students, we know how lucky we are to be part of something so special. Our school is thriving – full of energy, ambition, and hope – and Sir Brian’s legacy is woven into everything we do.
“We’ll miss his warmth, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in what young people can achieve. But we’ll carry his light forward, every day. Thank you, Sir Brian. You’ll always be part of our story.”
Other celebrities to pay tribute to the artist included TV presenter and pianist Jools Holland, who said Sir Brian was an ‘extraordinary and dear man’ in a post on Instagram.
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As his knighthood was announced, Sir Brian told PA: “I’m feeling very surprised and grateful really. It’s wonderful to get noticed for one’s work, but to get honoured for it too is really very encouraging.”