Helen Moloney facts for kids

Helen Moloney (born January 2, 1926 – died March 6, 2011) was a talented Irish artist. She was famous for creating beautiful stained glass windows. Many of her amazing works can be seen in churches designed by architect Liam McCormick in the 1960s and 1970s.

Helen Moloney's Early Life and Family

Helen Moloney was born in Tipperary, Ireland, on January 2, 1926. She was a twin, born with her sister Mary. Helen had two other younger sisters and one brother. Her parents were James and Kathleen Barry Moloney.

Her family was very involved in Irish history. Both sides of her family were part of the Irish republican movements. These groups worked for Ireland's independence.

Family's Role in Irish History

Helen's grandfather, Patrick James Moloney, was a chemist. He was also a member of the Irish parliament (called a TD) for Sinn Féin. He served from 1919 to 1923.

Her father, James Moloney, was an officer during the Irish War of Independence. He worked with the IRA. Helen's uncle, Con Moloney, also served in the IRA.

Helen's mother, Kathleen Barry Moloney, was the older sister of Kevin Barry, a famous Irish republican. She was active in groups like Cumann na mBan and the Gaelic League. She even traveled to America and Australia in the 1920s. She helped raise money for the Irish republican cause.

After the war, Helen's father, a chemist, found work with the Irish Sugar company in Carlow in 1934.

Helen Moloney's Artistic Journey

Helen Moloney left school just before her 14th birthday. She then started studying drawing part-time at the National College of Art (NCA). She received special awards that allowed her to study art full-time. She graduated in 1948.

After graduating, Helen lived in Paris for nine months. There, she continued to study drawing at the Académie de la Grande Chaumière.

Discovering Stained Glass Art

In 1952, Helen returned to Dublin, Ireland. She moved into a studio apartment where she would live for the rest of her life. She also taught art part-time at Blackrock Technical School until 1964.

Helen was inspired by the beautiful stained glass windows she saw in Paris, like those at Sainte-Chapelle and Notre Dame Cathedral. She was also moved by an exhibition of work by artist Evie Hone in 1958. These experiences led her to choose stained glass as her main art form.

From 1958 to 1961, Helen studied stained glass at the NCA. She learned from John Murphy. Then, from 1960 to 1962, she worked as an assistant to artist Patrick Pollen.

In 1962, Helen's work was shown at an art event in Salzburg. She also helped Patrick Pollen create large stained glass windows for a new church. This church was St Patrick's in Lifford, County Donegal, designed by architect Liam McCormick.

Opening Her Own Studio

In 1964, Helen Moloney received a grant from the Arts Council. This allowed her to open her own studio. She then worked full-time as a stained glass artist.

She often worked with Liam McCormick, the architect. She completed 11 projects for him in Catholic churches he designed. Her windows were modern and used bright, strong colors. They fit perfectly with McCormick's unique buildings.

Helen was part of a group of talented artists and craftspeople that McCormick brought together. This group included artists like John Behan and Imogen Stuart.

Her first big project on her own was for a McCormick church called Star of the Sea in Desertegney, County Donegal, in 1964.

One of her most famous works is in the 1967 Church of St Aengus in Burt, County Donegal. This church, with Helen's windows, won a gold medal from the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland. The church was even named "Irish building of the twentieth century" in 2000.

In 1977, Helen also created windows for a non-Catholic church, Donoughmore Presbyterian church in Liscooley, County Donegal. She also designed a special hanging behind the altar, called a reredos, showing a burning bush.

She also worked with other architects like Richard Hurley and Andrew Devane. Some of her last works were for St Stephen's church in Killiney, County Dublin, and St Francis of Assisi church in Drumnabey, County Tyrone, both in 1982. Helen retired from making stained glass in the late 1980s.

Helen Moloney was chosen to be a member of Aosdána in 1982. Aosdána is a special group that honors Irish artists. Helen passed away at her home in Dublin on March 6, 2011. She is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery.

Selected Works by Helen Moloney

Here are some of the places where you can see Helen Moloney's amazing stained glass art:

• Our Lady Queen of Heaven at Dublin Airport (1964) - This includes stained glass and special art pieces called "stations of the cross."
• Holy Family church, Southampton, England (1966)
• St Clement's retreat house chapel, Belfast (1967)
• Our Lady of Lourdes, Ballyconnell, County Cavan (1968)
• Church of St MacNissi, Magherahoney, County Antrim (1968)
• Archangel St Michael's church, Creeslough, County Donegal (1971) - She created the stained glass, altar tapestry, and special enamel pieces for the tabernacle.
• St Mary's, Maghera, County Londonderry (1974) - This church has seven special windows and other art pieces by Helen.
• St Joseph's church, Tinryland, County Carlow (1974)
• St Oliver Plunkett church, Toome, County Antrim (1976)
• Our Lady of Lourdes, Steelstown, County Londonderry (1976) - She made special insets for the altar and a painting of Christ.
• Christ Prince of Peace, Fossa, County Kerry (1977) - This church has glass insets on its entrance doors.
• St Patrick's, Clogher, County Tyrone (1979) - She designed special doors showing the Good Shepherd and other symbols.
• St Columb's College, Derry (1979) - This college has four stained glass windows made by Helen.

Images for kids

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  One of Moloney's windows at the Archangel Saint Michael Church, Creeslough