Knighthood for stained glass artist

World-renowned painter, 70, grateful' after his work over 50 years celebrated, writes Paul Britton

A WORLD-RENOWNED stained glass artist from Oldham has been given a knighthood in the King's New Year Honours.

British artist Brian Clarke said he was 'feeling very surprised and grateful' with the honour.

Painter and architectural artist Sir Brian, 70, who has been described as 'the most celebrated stained glass artist in the world today, is honoured for his services to art in a career that has spanned 50 years.

His work has appeared in landmarks worldwide including the AI Faisaliyah Center in Riyadh, the Royal Mosque of King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, and the 14-metre-high, stained glass pavilion, The Stamford Cone in Connecticut.

Sir Brian, who is believed to be the first stained glass artist to receive a knighthood for the artform, said in a statement: "I am working class by birth and by inclination. My art is for the working class and my public art in stained glass is intended to beautify the corners of the world it occupies.