Celebrating some of our Ecclesiastical Projects

As we approach this important time of year in the Christian calendar, we thought it was a great opportunity to share details about two wonderful art installations at St Mary’s Church in Portbury near Bristol.



The Platinum Jubilee Cross

John was approached by Julie Mainstone to help with a truly wonderful collaboration to create a contemporary representation of the joy of the resurrection.

Julie describes the journey of her creation

“It started with a quick sketch where I was trying to convey movement in the figure of Jesus dancing away from the cross. The design was a contemporary representation of the joy of the resurrection. So I wanted to use colour to add to the storytelling and most of the church has just clear glass.

As it was to be a Platinum Jubilee tribute from the community it was also important to me to involve the community in the process. So my colour design for the glass was divided into 12 squares and 12 members of the congregation under expert guidance from award winning fused glass artist Sarah Aumayer  of Mydsomer Studio each created a segment using granulated glass 'Frit'.

Sarah fired the glass pieces in her kiln and they were taken along to be transformed into the final installation by the talented John Osborne of Industrial Modern Furniture and TV's 'Saved and Remade' fame. His skills with metal have framed the glass pieces and interpreted my sketch with metal lines and added a simple platinum crown of thorns. He created a bespoke plinth and the whole beautiful final cross was installed and unveiled to the public on 20th August and officially dedicated in a service on 28th August 2022

It is such a powerful visual image and means so much to me to see how the community really felt involved. I am truly humbled at how this wonderful piece of art has been created and by the combined talents of Sarah and John without whom my vision would not have been able to be brought to life.”

John worked with the stained glass tiles to create a steel frame and crucifix, with artistic licence he was able to craft a crown for 'The King of Kings' an abstract vision in steel rather than the actual crown of thorns and mount this bespoke piece on a steel plinth at St Mary's Church Portbury. 

Congregational Prayer Candle Holder

This outstanding piece of art can also be found at St Mary’s.

It was created so that the curves of steel represent waves and water.

The prayer candles are nestled between the layers and the light is reflected accordingly.

St Mary’s is a wonderful place to visit and is Venue 12  as part of North Somerset Arts Week, so when you plan a trip to see us at Venue 10   Careys DIY Workshops and Yard in Portishead why not visit Portbury too.

If you would like to find out more about John’s commissions, please visit the Bespoke Projects page of our website.

To discuss any specific requirements please Contact Us