Swindon: The New Jerusalem
Angela Atkinson highlights two spectacular works of art in a Gorse Hill church which embrace both spirituality and life in an industrial town
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Artworks which are a poignant snapshot of history
By local historian and author Angela Atkinson
In November last year I wrote about the triptych of Lydiard House painted by the recently-deceased Swindon-born artist Ken White, that’s languishing in a storeroom at said stately home – a hidden gem – something at which we seem to excel in Swindon.
So, picking up the hidden gem theme, my first offering of 2026, and ‘offering’ is the operative word as you’ll see as you read on, examines more artworks that come under that umbrella. But this time in a church not a storeroom.
I can’t recall now how the paintings in St Barnabas’ church in Gorse Hill came onto my radar – but onto it they came, as I was in the middle of writing Swindon in 50 Buildings. Thus, into that book the church and the paintings went.
They’re an astonishing sight!
Before I talk more about the paintings, a little bit of information about the church itself. The A Church Near You website describes it thus:
“St Barnabas’ church is one of Swindon’s ‘railway churches’ built to serve the employees of the GWR works and a 15-minute walk from Swindon town centre with its football ground, shops, pubs and railway station. We have a fine set of contemporary stained glass, a rood, and our sanctuary has a unique mural depicting Swindon as the new Jerusalem.”
The church is a Grade II listed Anglican parish church built 1885 by JP Seddon.
NB: St Barnabas is one of four ‘railway churches’ - as in built to meet the spiritual needs of the burgeoning population toiling in the Works. The other three are St Mark’s by the railway village, St Augustine’s in Rodbourne and St Luke’s in Broadgreen.
About the artist
These wonderful works are the creation of one John Perret, erstwhile priest of Stanton Fitzwarren. John Perret entered this world in 1892, near Lyon, France, and departed it in 1971 at Whitchurch-on-Thames.
Born into a devout French Catholic family, he became exposed to Anglican theology during his studies. He later moved to the UK and became an Anglican priest, a step that prompted his family back in France to cut off all contact.
At length Perret became involved in the Parish and People movement. This involved Anglican reformists advocating for Parish Communion as the main worship event in parishes – and for a collaborative, team approach to ministry. Perret made contact with the reformist movement in France and set-up student exchanges with Anglicans and Catholics able to celebrate communion together.