Paul McCartney has shared a tribute to his friend Sir Brian Clarke. The Beatles singer posted an emotional statement on Instagram remembering his "dear friend" and fondly remembered the first time they met in the 1970s. Brian was one of the world’s best stained glass artists, and his work is featured on buildings all over the world. He died at the age of 71 on July 1. Brian was born to a working-class family in 1953 and reportedly first became interested in stained glass during a school trip to York Minster. He studied at Oldham School of Arts and Crafts in 1965 before moving on to Burnley School of Art.

Paul paid tribute to Brian with a photo of the pair putting their arms around each other's shoulders. He shared, "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. Love, Paul."

Many of his fans have flooded Paul with support after he made the tribute. One person said: "Sad news. We love his work in Tug Of War and the tours. All the Best, Paul."

A second also commented: "What a wonderful tribute! Rest In Peace Brian Clarke." A third also chimed in: "Sorry you lost your friend. Brian sounds so great. Very grounding to have long term family friends, essential and vital. And the bonds soothe us long after they’re gone."

A fourth person also typed: "When a friend puts his/her arms around us and we hold hands on the other side...it's true friendship and love. Sorry for your loss, Paul." [sic]