Celebrating some of our Ecclesiastical Projects

Karen Osborne • April 15, 2025

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


By Karen Osborne March 14, 2026
Here at Industrial Modern Furniture, we are often asked to do on-site visits to assess a client's needs. Every project is special, but recently, we had a wonderful opportunity to work right here within our own local community—a project that was truly close to our hearts.
By Karen Osborne March 5, 2026
This Easter, move away from the temporary sugar rush and gift something that lasts a lifetime. At Industrial Modern Furniture, we believe the best gifts are those that combine rugged durability with artisanal beauty.
By Karen Osborne February 25, 2026
Thoughts of spring really brighten your mood in this wet weather!
By Karen Osborne February 9, 2026
There is something truly special about living in an idyllic village. The peace, the birdsong, and the connection to nature make the garden a vital part of the home.
By Karen Osborne January 25, 2026
Valentine’s Day often feels like a sea of generic teddy bears and supermarket roses. If you’re looking for something that carries more weight—both literally and figuratively—it’s time to step away from the high street. Based near Bristol, Industrial Modern Furniture specialises in handcrafted, sustainable pieces that b
By Karen Osborne January 8, 2026
This Bespoke drinks cabinet started as a Rustic Slate Effect Ceramic Tile! The hues of brown and grey slate inspired John to combine different media and engineer a unique design of a cabinet. This design highlights the shades of colour in wood, solid steel and steel features.
By Karen Osborne January 6, 2026
If you are a dog owner, the safety of your beloved pet is of the utmost importance. Therefore, when our customer requested a home consultation, we visited to measure up and chat through designs. Often our homes have driveways and open plan entrances to gardens, which of course, aren’t safe spaces for the family pooch to play and roam freely. After a good look at the criteria that needed to be met, we etched out designs that met the 'Fleur-de-lis' design brief! Some customers love an ornate look and others a more modern design, anything is possible, and the best part of the service, as seen in these photos, is we can quote to supply only or install efficiently. If you know John, you'll know 'precision ' is his middle name! So it won't surprise you that when a magnetic spirit level is required for accuracy, and planting of steel posts quickly, precision is achieved! John will install the zinc primed and powder-coated posts to allow time for them to set and cure in the concrete, before tarmac is relaid if such a finish is required. He has a solution for all surfaces; patios, paving or tarmac can all be catered for, so if you have a vision, don't hesitate to ask how to go about it.
By Karen Osborne December 30, 2025
Industrial Modern Furniture is offering some fantastic savings on a huge selection of their wonderful, handcrafted items.
By Karen Osborne December 18, 2025
John and Karen would like to wish all their customers a very Merry Christmas! 2025 has been an incredible year for us, we have been exceptionally busy. We have introduced so many stunning new products and undertaken numerous and varied commissions and bespoke projects this year too!
By Karen Osborne December 11, 2025
One Saturday in Autumn, John and Karen visited the PCC on a mission to remove and repurpose old church pews. John was taken by the detail of the pew end 'cut outs' .....such intricate designs full of church history. The vision for St George's was to create a reflective, quiet space, for anyone to rest a while, pray,.
Show More