Book Launch: Queensland Artist-in-Glass Warwick Blair

“The Career and Selected Works of Queensland Artist-in-Glass Warwick Blair (1943-2002)”

by Brisbane historian Denzil Scrivens

Guest Speakers:

Queensland designer Dr Jennifer Andrews
Brisbane physician and artist Dr Wendell Rosevear OAM

Warwick Blair was a leading force in the revival of Queensland’s stained glass industry in the 1980s and 1990s, creating thousands of stained glass windows in historic homes, shopping centres, schools, chapels, churches and public buildings in and around Brisbane.

Renowned for his use of brilliant tone colours, drawing on an unrivalled collection of antique and textured glass, Blair worked in both heritage and contemporary styles, often in collaboration with local Queensland designers. His most powerful contemporary creations include the sweeping Metamorphosis Window at Brisbane Girls Grammar School and the great Millennium Window at St John’s Cathedral unveiled by the Queen in 2002.

Blair did his greatest work while dying from AIDS. He was one of the early generation of gay men with HIV whose illness predated the emergence of effective retroviral therapy. Yet despite increasing frailty, this gifted artist produced a series of works which radiated enormous power and hope, reflecting something of his own struggle with personal setbacks and his determination to rise above them.

This richly illustrated book, which opens with a unique history of stained glass making in Queensland, canvasses the remarkable career of this outstanding artist, featuring over 70 of his works.

Free parking for the launch is available in the northern precinct of the Cathedral accessible via Ann St.

Proof of COVID vaccination or of a registered medical exemption are required to attend the Cathedral for the event.

To assist with catering for the event please RSVP to the Cathedral.

Enquiries: 0409 641 186

For more information, please contact Denzil Scrivens via denzil.scrivens@bigpond.com or visit the Cathedral Facebook event page.