The World War I Trail

Our Bury St. Edmunds BID and the My WiSH Charity have collaborated to create a public art trail across Bury St Edmunds Town Centre, commemorating the centenary of the ending of World War 1.

The World War 1 Trail runs from 21 July until Armistice Day, 11 November 2018, and comprises 18 separate pieces of art, each created by a local artist.  One of those artists has produced a stunning piece of stained glass that has been framed and mounted for table-top display – something that particularly interested me, having worked only with installed windows during my project.

Russell Cook (2018) – Jon Messum with cartoon for his stained glass

Jon Messum has been working in the lead lights and stained glass specialism for over 40 years.  He has worked on both private and public properties including; historical, listed and buildings of national significance.  Ensuring that work is complimentary to a buildings history and design, with an emphasis on preservation and conservation.

Russell Cook (2018) – Jon Messum with stained glass window

In the work ‘Then and Now’ (Location: Moyses Hall Museum, Bury St. Edmunds), Jon focuses on the sombre experiences those faced on the battlefields. The panel then transitions into a more positive and bright scene, reflecting the life we have now – owed to those who fought in the war.  The panel is made of various textured glass, hand painted and fired pieces.  The methods and tools used are the same as those used 100 years ago.  The scene was created out of over 80 individual pieces of glass which have been hand cut, painted and then kiln fired.  The piece is a reminder of how much sacrifice was given so that we may have the peace we enjoy today.