The Richmond Spire



The Spire of St Ignatius - on the hill

As I look out my office window the spire of St Ignatius Church sits atop Richmond Hill. I'm sad that this particular sight will soon disappear in the rapacious onslaught that we Richmondites are experiencing with over-development of our precious suburb. So driving past the hill of churches - Uniting (where you will find a happy Fijian population swaying to the rhythm - without grass skirts); the Church of England and the Catholic Church are all cheek by jowl.



The windows on a dull day outside

I popped into St Ignatius today to the Lady Chapel to see the Kevin O'Neill stainglass windows. Kevin was Melbourne's renowned florist in the glory days of the 80's and 90's. His creations were 'to die for' - pardon the pun. He introduced us to magnificent colours, extraordinary themes and unusual plants and foliage. What is now the norm was new and exciting then and many of today's famed florists trained or were mentored by him. He was the darling of society not only here but Australia-wide. He died in 1997 and I rather like the choice of stainglass - flowers being the theme.

Flowers and colour - a Kevin O'Neill signature

Pop in to see the windows when you are in appropriately named Church Street - St Ignatius and the other Churches are on the hill between Bridge Road and Swan Street.

Bowen Cottage client comment this week: We are in and our expectations are surpassed. We will be recommending the cottage to anyone with a pair of ears!