The colour and shapes chosen suggest the transformative power of God. The central green lancet symbolizes growth, a growth towards eternity. The shoots begin in the lower area where the Latin motto is, and forge a link between the lower section, i.e. us now, and lead us into the main transcendent area of the window. The window is a memorial to the school which has come to an end. However it symbolizes a beginning and a growth towards eternity, with the area at the top suggesting the glory of God. The window is thus a celebration of life. To each side of the central lancet are columns of blue triangles reflecting the water needed for growth; these and the white and yellow triangles remind us of the Holy Trinity. The background is green and will have a painted texture reminiscent in style to grisaille glass.

The nurturing role of nature stands too here for the way in which the grammar school nurtured and educated the young people of Ilminster for over four hundred years. It is highly appropriate that such an important part of the town’s history should, nearly forty years after the School’s closure, be remembered by the community as a whole. By making this window, one of the last generation of Ilminster Grammar school pupils, are guaranteeing a lasting memorial to their school, one which will stand the test of time, and serve as a reminder to old and new residents of Ilminster alike. It is an act of generosity to give the community a window of such beauty, and it is appropriate that the chosen design should enhance the Minster, acting as a prompt to individual reflection and prayer, whilst also functioning as a work of art in its own right.

The window is designed to complement the existing glass and respect the overall architectural style of the Minster. It avoids pastiche, and instead adds a distinctly contemporary note to the feel of the Minster as a whole. The construction will be traditional, employing hand-blown antique glass of the highest quality, and tried and tested leading techniques.

John Reyntiens