Col’s Chat – Locals through my Lens – Julian Podmore

Col’s Chat –

Locals through my Lens

Julian Podmore

Julian Podmore was born in the Welsh town of Cwmbran (point of interest is that the name translates into Valley of the Crows). At school, Julian excelled at art and, having completed A-Levels (year 12), he decided upon a stained glass and leadlight apprenticeship in the nearby town of Newport.  

By the mid-1990s, while friends began to settle down, Julian was travelling the world. For this lifelong rock music fan, perhaps there was inspiration in Metallica’s self-titled 1991 album when he set off for Australia. “Anywhere I may roam. Where I lay my head is home.” 

“Perhaps it was the fact that I’d come from a small town, that the natural next step was a small city. Once I’d done some travelling, I settled into my trade here in Brisbane. I believed – as I still do – that if you provide good service and good work, people will come to you.”  

So how did a love for 70s rock music intertwine with his chosen trade?  

“After meeting rock photographer, Ross Halfin we formed a friendship over a shared connection with John Entwistle (The Who’s bassist who happened to be Julian’s Dad’s cousin) and I found myself creating a stained-glass window of The Who for one of Ross’ exhibitions. Word got around, and then, one day, there was a phone call… ‘Jimmy would like you do a piece of the cover of the first Led Zeppelin album’. The Jimmy in question was none other than Jimmy Page!” 

“I always had a passion for album art, and the medium of stained glass seemed a perfect way to represent the incredible album covers of bands like Pink Floyd, Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and Metallica, where art is such an important part of their output.” 

Then, a commissioned piece for Black Sabbath led to a personal invitation for Julian and his brother to VIP access a Metallica gig in London. “This was the most amazing experience. My brother, a bass player himself, spent time chatting with Rob Trujillo, Metallica’s bassist. Tragically my brother passed away too young, but this memory, and the kindness and generosity shown by everyone will remain one of my most treasured memories.” 

So, in 2025, just how is this highly skilled, time heavy and costly medium faring for artisans like Julian? 

“To be honest, less people are looking to spend money on luxury items and art pieces, but there are still those who want to capture something that’s part of them. Something that has meaning that might last over 100 years. These days, society seems so very ‘throw away’. Gadgets are more important and new builds and renos are often cold and soulless. And yet, thankfully, there is such beauty and depth in adding a bespoke piece of timeless art that many people are still recognising.” 

And while Julian still produces new art, a large part of his work is restoration. “For us, restoration is about authenticity. Matching brush strokes by hand; using the tools, water, gum, vinegar and alcohol mixes that were used hundreds of years ago, to ensure a perfect match.” 

Julian’s work, which has appeared on Grand Designs Restorations, creates a feeling and ambience so many modern buildings lack. “What we do will certainly never be replaced with AI!” 

To find out more about Julian, and to hear his recent interview with the ABC’s Rebecca Levinstone, visit leadlightcraftsman.com.au.

Author and photographer: Colin Bushell / Colin Bushell Photography