Austin Clarke Stamp

We were commissioned by An Post to design a commemorative stamp marking the 50th anniversary of the death of Austin Clarke—renowned poet, novelist, verse dramatist, and literary critic.

Born in 1896, Clarke was one of the leading poets of his generation. He studied English Language and Literature at University College Dublin under the guidance of prominent figures Douglas Hyde and Thomas MacDonagh. His debut poetry collection, The Vengeance of Fionn (1917), garnered critical acclaim. While initially influenced by the romantic revival movement, Clarke’s later work took a sharper, more critical lens, often scrutinising Church and State.

The stamp design captures Clarke in a moment of contemplation, reflecting his deep engagement with the world around him—a recurring theme in his later poetry. His portrait is framed within a ‘50’ motif, symbolising both the anniversary and the enduring relevance of his work. A halftone texture represents his intricate use of assonance, consonance, and half-rhyme, while the accompanying envelope mirrors these patterns in its typographic treatment. The design was printed with Green and Metallic Silver inks, adding depth and a sense of timelessness to the commemorative piece.