Arabic version: حِرَفي الزجاج المعشّق يقترب من إنهاء أعمال الترميم الكبرى

According to ABC News, stained-glass craftsman Gavin Merrington expects the restoration of Campbell Town’s Brickhill Memorial Church to be his last major project after nearly 50 years in the trade. The 64-year-old will continue with smaller jobs and consultancy work.

Merrington worked with a solid plasterer and heritage building specialist on the 146-year-old former church, which underwent weeks of restoration. Its original High Street-facing main window had never been replaced, but the soft lead holding the glass had deteriorated after nearly 150 years.

Working from his South Hobart studio, Merrington sourced the exact type of glass used in the original windows. He hand-painted and kiln-fired intricate pieces, repeating the process until the required colour and effect were achieved. He said the work involved “maybe 90 pieces” and took 10 weeks.

The restored glass was transported to Campbell Town in a wooden crate and raised five metres for installation. Merrington began leadlighting after answering a newspaper advertisement at age 16. A 2014 Churchill Fellowship took him to Europe to learn from glazing and glass-preservation experts.

Brickhill Memorial Church was built in 1880 with money left by former convict-turned-merchant Joseph Brickhill and was deconsecrated in 1964. It has since operated as a wool museum, a co-working space and short-stay accommodation. Owner Matt Collins said owners or stewards of heritage buildings had a responsibility to preserve them.

Merrington said he was confident the trade would continue through an employee with the necessary skills. After decades travelling around Tasmania, he said he was looking forward to holidays and spending time with his wife and grandchildren.