Shining a light on beauty of stained-glass at historic church

By Wendy Shaw

The exquisite beauty and detail in the stained-glass at Launceston’s Church of the Apostles is being enhanced and protected as work continues on window conservation.

After many years shrouded behind a ‘protective’ exterior Perspex covering, stained-glass window experts are carrying out the precise, delicate and technical work to ensure the windows are around for many more years to come.

Gavin Merrington, 62, who grew up in Launceston but is now based in Hobart, is one of Australia’s leading stained-glass artists and conservators. He is overseeing the conservation work at the historic church that marked its 150th anniversary in 2016.

Part of the work involves making individual window templates and then installing low iron anti-reflective glass on the exterior.

“The advantage of this is that there is an air gap all the way around the windows so that there is not a hothouse environment as there was between the Perspex and the windows, which breaks down the lead,” Mr Merrington said. “It is also detrimental to the stone if moisture is present.

“So now they are vented all the way, providing protection from the wind, which is the biggest killer of stained glass, the rain, and vandalism.

“With anti-reflective glass, the glass doesn’t interfere with the architectural look of the building.”

Using his skills to conserve the windows for another 100 years was rewarding, Mr Merrington added.

“Being able to make sure that something is in excellent condition is really satisfying, plus I just love dealing with beautiful art works,” he added.

Launceston Parish Priest Fr Leonard Caldera said the work was giving a new lease of life to the building and enhancing the beauty of the windows.

Hans Wanders, the chairman of the Launceston Parish’s Finance, Building and Maintenance Committee, added that the removal of the Perspex had changed the external aesthetics of the church.

“Once the Perspex … went opaque, at a distance it made the church look as if it had been boarded up,” Mr Wanders said.

“Now … the church is inviting you in. Once inside, there is a lot more light.”

Mr Wanders praised the craftsmanship of the William Montgomery windows behind the Sacred Heart altar. However, during the project it had been discovered that these and the window behind Our Lady’s altar would need additional conservation work, with repairs estimated at around $73,000. Montgomery (1850-1927) was a renowned English-born artist who set up a studio in Melbourne in 1887.

“Hopefully, the repairs can be the basis of a future grant application to Heritage Tasmania,” Mr Wanders said. Repairs are also needed to the Nun’s Chapel windows at a cost of $19,000 before the glass coverings can be installed.

Donations to the project are still being gratefully accepted. Please either contact the parish office on 6331 4377 or place a donation in an envelope marked ‘Stained Glass’ in the offertory collection basket. Tax receipts are available upon request.