After nearly 50 years, this master craftsman is hanging up his tools

After nearly five decades of craftsmanship, master artisan Gavin Merrington, 64, is set to retire from major restoration projects. His final significant endeavor involves restoring the former Brickhill Memorial Church in Campbell Town, Tasmania. The former stained glass worker and heritage building specialist has worked on various restoration projects around Tasmania, but the Church's main window restoration proved to be his most challenging yet.

The church's original stained glass window, installed in 1880, required complete replacement due to its deterioration after 150 years. Merrington meticulously traced down the original glass type, hand-painted and fired intricate pieces in a kiln until the desired effect was achieved. This task took ten weeks, after which the heavy and delicate windows were carefully transported and installed at their new location.

Merrington's journey into the leadlighting trade began at 16 when a newspaper ad inspired him. His passion for church windows has led him to work on projects worldwide, with his recent focus on Australia's heritage buildings. He has collaborated with other heritage tradespeople in Tasmania, who have built a long-standing community of trust and shared knowledge over decades.

The Brickhill Memorial Church, built in 1880 by Joseph Brickhill, has been repurposed into a wool museum, co-working space, and now, a short-stay accommodation. Merrington's retirement marks the end of an illustrious career, but he remains confident that the heritage trade in Tasmania will continue to thrive under the guidance of skilled craftsmen like his successor.