Paul McCartney has paid tribute to Brian Clarke, the artist who passed away at the age of 72 earlier this week.
Clarke was best known for his mosaic artworks, which was used for the McCartney solo album, Tug of War. McCartney has since paid tribute to the artist who also created the images for the Paul McCartney World Tour, which ran from 1989 to 1990. Clarke would also work with Linda McCartney a year after providing The Beatles member with designs for his New World Tour shows in 1993. The Wings frontman has since paid tribute to Clarke, who died just a day after his 72nd birthday. Clarke died on July 1, 2025. Tributes from various government bodies in Oldham were also shared for the artist, who was born in the Greater Manchester town.
In a statement released to Instagram earlier today (July 8), McCartney wrote: “Brian Clarke was a dear friend of our family whom we had known for years. Sadly, he passed away recently but we all have lovely memories of the times we had together. We always laughed.
“Brian often had some great artistic endeavours to show or talk to us about. He made some stained glass windows for us and did a great collaboration with Linda using her photographs to make stained glass pictures out of.
“He was commissioned to make stained glass for Bahrain Airport (Concordia), Stansted Airport (a collaboration with Sir Norman Foster), and Queen Victoria Street Arcade in Leeds, and these are just some of the works he was famous for.
“Ever since I met him in the 70s with Robert Fraser the art dealer, we always had the best times together. We will all miss him but have fond memories of him to cherish and his incredible artwork to remind us of Brian himself.”
A statement released by Oldham Council reads: “Oldham Council is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Brian Clarke, the world-renowned stained glass artist and one of Oldham’s most celebrated sons.
“Brian’s beautiful work graces buildings around the world, and we are so proud that the Spindles Shopping Centre is home to three of his vast stained glass roof lights, among the largest in Europe.
“Sir Brian also gave back to his hometown by designing a series of stunning stained glass windows for the Brian Clarke Church of England Academy, the Oldham secondary school that proudly bears his name.”
Further tribute was made by Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, who said: “Without question, Sir Brian Clarke was one of Oldham’s most remarkable and inspirational figures. His art lit up the world, and yet he remained grounded in the town where his journey began. His work will stand as a lasting legacy of beauty, imagination and pride in place.
“He will be deeply missed by all who were touched by his genius and our heartfelt condolences go out to Sir Brian’s family, friends, and all who admired and were inspired by his extraordinary life and work.”
