Memorial window is tribute to village (From Worcester News)

This artwork took four years

1:00pm Monday 10th September 2012 in News

IT HAS been four years in the making, but an Inkberrow artist can finally see the fruits of his labour after a stained glass window he designed was installed in the village church.
The colourful window, designed by John Harris, is dedicated to the memory of the late Inkberrow resident Ron Gore.
Mr Harris’ work was commissioned by the Carmichael family, including Mr Gore’s wife Pat Carmichael, and is part of a project which aims to celebrate characters and elements of the village, both past and present.
Included in the project are The Old Bull pub, The Forge Shop, A Dudley’s Coach and even the mysterious black beast – a panther-like creature which is well known in local folklore. Mr Gore died suddenly at his home in Inkberrow, aged 89, on May 15, 2008.
He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Mr Harris confessed to being an amateur in producing stained glass windows but said he really enjoyed getting advice and working with Ben and Noel Sinclair at Norgrove Studios in Bentley, Redditch.
“It’s been fascinating,” said John.
“Seeing how different pieces of glass have been sought out specially for the job; some very old and some from as far away as France.”
The artist started his career at Cardiff College of Art, where he studied painting and ceramics.
He later ventured into Central Africa in March 1964 and became the first art teacher at Nyasaland High School.
After living there for 12 years, he moved back to Redditch and became the head of art at Redditch High School.
The four year journey to put the stained glass window project into practice ended last month when the translucent artwork was installed in St Peter’s Church, Inkberrow.
“The end result has made it worth my wait,” John said.
“The light beaming through the colours of the window has really brought the artwork to life.”
A service of dedication for the window will be held on Saturday, October 21, at 5.30pm.
Scores of villagers are expected to attend to show appreciation to Mr Harris and remember the life of Ron Gore. All are welcome to attend and join the choral evensong.