Thomas James Clarke was born in Milford-on-Sea, England. His father served in the British army. While in America, Clarke joined Clann na nGael. In 1883, he was sentenced to fifteen years of penal servitude for his role in a bombing campaign in London. Clarke was the first signatory of the Proclamation of Independence through deference to his seniority, Clarke was with the group that occupied the GPO. Before execution, he asked his wife Kathleen to give this message to the Irish People, 3 May 1916: ‘I and my fellow signatories believe we have struck the first successful blow for Irish freedom. The next blow, which we have no doubt Ireland will strike, will win through. In this belief, we die happy.’ –Thomas J. Clarke

There will be limited framed prints available soon.