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Illumination: A Celtic Prayer

Photo: Elizabeth Mann

Illumination: A Celtic Prayer

probably 1942

Theodora Harrison

born Ireland, 1890; died Dublin, 1969. Active in Seattle, Washington, 1929-1951

This exquisite illumination of a Celtic prayer is an original design created by Seattle artist, Theodora Lawrenson Harrison, who was internationally renowned as both a scholar of medieval manuscript illumination and a master illuminator herself. The Irish-born Harrison was an eminent figure in Northwest Art, a president of Women Painters of Washington, and a founder of the art gallery at Frederick and Nelson department store. But she was also internationally renowned as an illuminator and creator of armorial design. Commissions came from such high places as the royal offices of Britain’s King George VI. Harrison was commissioned to create the Seattle Art Museum coat of arms in 1934.


Ink and watercolor on simulated parchment
Sheet size: 8 ¾ x 12 in.
Mount board: 15 ½ x 18 in.
Eugene Fuller Memorial Collection
2013.7
Provenance: Purchased from the artist, May 1942
Photo: Elizabeth Mann
location
Not currently on view

Seattle Art Museum respectfully acknowledges that we are on Indigenous land, the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people. We honor our ongoing connection to these communities past, present, and future.

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