Evie Hone facts for kids

Evie Hone's workshop in Rathfarnham, now part of Marley Park courtyard

A portrait of Evie Hone by Hilda van Stockum

Eva Sydney Hone (born April 22, 1894 – died March 13, 1955), known as Evie, was a famous Irish artist. She was a talented painter and a master of stained glass. Evie Hone is seen as one of the first artists to use cubism in Ireland. However, she is most famous for her beautiful stained glass artworks. Two of her most well-known pieces are the East Window at Eton College and My Four Green Fields. The East Window shows the Crucifixion, and My Four Green Fields is now in the Government Buildings in Dublin.

Evie Hone's Early Life

Evie Hone was born on April 22, 1894, in Roebuck Grove, County Dublin, Ireland. Her full name was Eva Sydney Hone. She was the youngest daughter in her family.

When she was almost twelve, Evie became very ill with polio. This illness affected her health for a long time. She was taught at home by a governess. Later, she continued her education in Switzerland. She also traveled to Spain and Italy, which helped her see different art styles. In 1913, she moved to London to study art.

Training as an Artist

Evie Hone studied art at several schools in London. These included the Byam Shaw School of Art and the Central School of Arts and Crafts. She also studied with famous artists like Bernard Meninsky and Walter Sickert.

Later, Evie went to Paris to learn from artists André Lhote and Albert Gleizes. These artists were known for their modern art styles, including Cubism. When she returned to Ireland, Evie became an important part of the modern art movement there. She even helped start the Irish Exhibition of Living Art.

In the 1930s, Evie Hone decided to focus on stained glass. She learned this special art form from Wilhelmina Geddes, another skilled artist.

Famous Stained Glass Works

Evie Hone created many amazing stained glass pieces. Her most important works are the East Window at Eton College in Windsor and My Four Green Fields.

The East Window at Eton College was made between 1949 and 1952. It shows the Crucifixion, a scene from the Bible. This window was commissioned after the original building was damaged during the Second World War. It is a very large and detailed artwork. In 1969, this window was even featured on an Irish postage stamp!

My Four Green Fields is another famous work. It was made for the Irish Government's display at the 1939 New York World's Fair. This piece won first prize for stained glass at the fair. It used to be displayed in CIÉ's Head Office in O'Connell Street in Dublin. Today, you can see it in the Government Buildings in Dublin.

From December 2005 to June 2006, the National Gallery of Ireland held a special exhibition of her work. You can also find her stained glass windows in Saint Mary's church in Clonsilla.

Evie Hone's Personal Life

Evie Hone was a very religious person. In 1925, she spent some time in an Anglican convent in Cornwall. Later, in 1937, she converted to Catholicism. This strong faith might have influenced her decision to work with stained glass, as many stained glass artworks are found in churches.

She first worked with a group called An Túr Gloine, which was a stained glass co-operative. After a while, she opened her own studio in Rathfarnham, where she continued to create her beautiful art.

Images for kids

• 

  Rose window in Ardara, County Donegal

• 

  Stained glass by Evie Hone from 1955 in St. John the Baptist, Blackrock

• 

  The East Window at Eton College Chapel