A TALENTED stained glass artist-craftsman, who despatched work from his Bromsgrove workshop to grace religious buildings both here and abroad, is featured in a new book.

The Stained Glass Windows of AJ Davies of the Bromsgrove Guild Worcestershire is the first book devoted to the life and work of Archibald Davies

He was born in 1877 and was educated in Birmingham and trained at the city's School of Arts in the Arts and Crafts style. His skill won him many prizes as a student and he later became an art teacher.

In 1906 Davies set up a stained glass studio within the world-renowned Bromsgrove Guild premises and worked there until his death in 1953.

The author of the new book is Roy Albutt, a retired headmaster, originally from Bromsgrove, but who now lives in Pershore.

When he finished work he studied history of art and architecture at Manchester University followed by a research degree into the work of Davies.

The 156 page book has 50 colour photographs and contains a gazetteer detailing 240 windows by the master craftsman, which are to be found widely distributed around Britain.

Appendices give details of the Guild, Davies' signatures and more besides. Examples of his windows can also be found in Canada, South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique and even Australia.

The book, priced at £16.95, is available from Ottakar's Bookstore in Bromsgrove High Street or directly from the author at 11 Great Calcraft, Pershore, Worcs. WR10 1QS or on 01386 552127. Add £1.50 for post and packing.