Lot 51498 – 1933 Holy Year 2d pearl-green and 3d blue, mint nh

1933 Holy Year 2d pearl-green and 3d blue, mint nh sheet marginal block of four, each signed in the margin by the stamp designer « RJKing Designer », fresh, fine and an unusual item for the specialist.

Born in Castlebar, Co Mayo on 7th July 1907, King’s family located to Dublin in 1926 and he became a student at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art. Initially planning to study architecture, his talents were quickly recognised and a tutor at the college introduced him to the renowned stained glass artist, Harry Clarke.

King joined Clarke’s studio in 1928 and upon Clarke’s death in 1931, he became its chief designer, and later its manager. One of King’s most significant works of this period is the priceless Kevin Barry Memorial Window. Originally unveiled in Earlsfort Terrace in 1934 by the President of Ireland, Eamonn de Valera, the window was moved in 2011 to the University College Dublin, Belfield Campus.

In 1940 he set up his own studio in Dalkey and there are fine examples of his stained glass to be found in Ireland, and also the United Kingdom, Australia and the United States of America.

King’s artistic talents were not only confined to the genre of stained glass. Between 1933 and 1949 he provided designs for 12 striking stamps, including to mark the Golden Jubilee of the GAA in 1934 and also to celebrate Bunreacht na hÉireann, the Irish Constitution, in 1937.