A MEMORIAL service to mark the the life and work of a Jerseyman and world renowned artist who created stained glass windows in churches around the Island was held on Saturday.

On 7 January, the 150th anniversary of the birth of Henry Thomas Bosdet, Islanders were invited to join members of The Glass Rainbow Trust for the unveiling of a plaque in Hampton Place.

The weather was perfect for the town ceremony which was attended by 30 people.

The plaque commemorating Bosdet, which was funded by the Jersey Heritage Trust, was unveiled by the Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Bob Key, who spoke of the relationship between the subject of the artist’s work and the medium he worked in.

Mr Key explained how when looking at the images on the glass, a person could see God’s light which illuminated the world.

The events continued at St Saviour’s Church where 50 people gathered for a short talk on the artist by curator of the Heritage Trust, Louise Downey.

Four of Bosdet’s windows are displayed at the church as well as his painted reredos, an image of the nativity.

As they listened the audience were able to experience the craftman’s work first-hand with the morning sunlight illuminating the windows at the south side of the church.

The Rector of St Saviour, the Rev Anthony Swindell, then blessed the restored family grave in the old cemetery.

The widow of author Aidan Smith and patron of The Glass Rainbow Trust, Judy Smith, laid lilies on the grave.