On Tuesday 18 June 2019, a beautiful painting of the Old Cathedral School by local artist Jeanni Grant-Nelson (pictured right), was officially unveiled in a small informal ceremony in the Old Cathedral School (OCS).
Jeanni generously donated the painting to the cathedral approximately 8 years ago, after she was informed of the cathedral’s plan to renovate the old building. The donation was, in part, in memory of army bomb disposal expert, Staff Sergeant Olaf Sean George Schmid of the Royal Logistic Regiment, who was tragically killed in action in Afghanistan in October 2009 and was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his bravery. Olaf Schmid was closely linked with Truro Cathedral having previously been head chorister in the cathedral choir, and linked to Jeanni through her friendship with Olaf’s mother, Barbara Schmid (pictured centre).
Speaking about the ceremony, Dean Roger said, “It was an absolute delight to unveil this beautiful painting together with Jeanni. The project to restore the OCS was both challenging and extended, but the siting of this artwork feels like the final piece in the completion of that project. It is a wonderful way to honour the memory of our former chorister, Olaf, too – and I extend heartfelt thanks to Jeanni.”
