Dash of Blue Coat for returning artist

Brian draws the curtain to officially open the school’s new classroom block

WORLD-renowned artist Brian Clarke went back to his roots yesterday to unveil a plaque at a new building named after him

Brian attended the official opening of the new £2.7million block at Blue Coat school with students, staff and local dignitaries.

Head teacher Julie Hollis said: “It’s a stunning building. As the school is increasing in size, we came up with the idea of naming our buildings after people with an Oldham connection.”

The new building, which will house maths and social sciences, has 17 classrooms. Pupils will have a daily reminder of the people who have shaped Oldham.

Brian (61) said: “I love Oldham and it feels like Oldham loves me back a little bit. It’s really cool to be here and what is particularly cool is meeting the students here.

“Blue Coat School has a tremendous history. I’m so impressed by the students, they’re so friendly.”

Brian, who originally lived in Glodwick, went to Oldham art college in Union Street and as a professional artist developed a style of decorative glass that has won him major commissions around the world.

His major works include a “pyramid of peace” in Kazakhstan, the Royal Mosque at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and a shopping centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. And of course he created the stained-glass roof of the Spindles shopping centre here in Oldham.

The unveiling was followed by a short question and answer session in which Brian talked about being inspired by the town’s cotton mills — and the way light filters through stained glass and its association with great architecture.

Brian is currently working on an exhibition which will open in London in February.