All the information contained on this website is from Jean's personal correspondence with his patrons & family,
 collated by Noel and Rachael Orval.
 1924 saw Mr Norm McAllister buy the homestead  which is now "Mernong", 17kms south west of  Marnoo.

 In 1966, Mr McAllister met Jean when he visited his Hamilton studio to commission a window for the Marnoo Presbyterian Church. Mr McAllister left the design entirely up to him - "something that seldom happens," Jean wrote. Then he approached Jean regarding a series of panels for the front entrance of his house, again leaving the design entirely in his hands. The first commission was for a small panel of the McAllister coat of arms, as a stand out window of its own. This was installed above one of the doors. The results in the series of the other panels is deceptively simple. Simple in outline and beauty, but rich in colour and depth.

 Jean offered his design in these terms. "I will give you the simple story of a man, a woman, the sun, the flowers, the growing wheat and the birds flying in the sky for the panels. But if I give you my story it may sound far too scientific for the average man or woman. They may not be able to see or feel it.

 "The panels would be a complex of 1 and 0, perpendicular and circle, which symbolises the male and female principle and in one number united a figure. It will be a symbol of completion. The centre panel will also contain the McAllister coat of arms."

 Mr McAllister said "any work of yours I have seen has been outstanding, my front door will be no exception. There is nothing more beautiful in the artistic world than your stained glass. I would be very proud indeed to have my name mentioned in connection with any work you do. Thanks for the privilege." In 1969, Jean installed the window above and beside the entry door at "Mernong".

 On arriving at "Mernong" on Sunday, April 15, 2012 to photograph the panels, Rachael and I were greeted with the same generous and friendly smiles of Ross and Maree McAllister that Jean met with Norm. We were provided with a light lunch and traditional coffee my father had often told me about that Ross' grandmother had made for Jean. Over 40 years had passed and the conversation led to familiar banter between Norm and Jean that had been expressed in numerous correspondence from the past. We felt the warm comraderie that must have existed between a migrant artisan and a deeply appreciative family man with our meeting of his grandson.
"Ceres - Goddess of the Harvest"
Glazed Tile purchased by Sir Daryl Lindsay for the Commonwealth Art Advisory Board
"Man, Woman & Child"
Private Collection,
 Melbourne, Vic
"The 3 Graces"
Private Collection, Keilor Downs, Vic
"Dreamtime 1 & 2 -
Hunters of Morowie"
Private Collection,  Ballarat, Vic
"In Vino Veritas -
Bacchus & Bacchante"
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
Glass in Concrete
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
"Sunrise"
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"The Architect"
Opaline Glass - 1970
Private Collection,
Altona, Vic
"Birth Plate"
Glazed Tile - 1959
Private Collection,
Altona, Vic
Disassembled Nine Frame Panel originally in a private residence in St Albans, Victoria.
Private Collection, Altona, Vic
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
 Altona, Vic
"John & Phine"
Glazed Wedding Tile
Private Collection,
 Altona, Vic
Figure on Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
 Altona, Vic
"Madonna & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
 Altona, Vic
"The 3 Graces"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Dubbo, NSW
"Boy & Cockerel"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Leopold, Vic
"Christ & The Cross"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
"I The Aboriginal"
Pencil Drawing
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"Hail Mary"
Pencil Drawing
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
"Homogeny"
Watercolour
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"Dreamtime" - By Noel Orval
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"Woman & Cockerel"
Watercolour
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"Washing Of The Hands"
Charcoal Drawing - 1962
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"Birth Plate"
Glazed Tile - 1976
Private Collection,
Portland, Vic
"Birds"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Portland, Vic
"Children at Play"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Portland, Vic
"Simon's Tigers"
Private Collection,
Portland, Vic
"Adam & Eve"
Watercolour
Private Collection,
Portland, Vic
"Woman and Children"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Ballarat, Vic
"Peacock"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,  Warrnambool, Vic
"Madonna & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Warrnambool, Vic
"Mother & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Warrnambool, Vic
"Front Door at Mernong"
"McAllister Coat of Arms"
"Adam & Eve"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Marnoo, Vic
Bacchus - the God of Wine and Intoxication, with Bacchante

 Bacchantes were the most important members of Bacchus' legendary retinue and is often depicted semi-clothed in animal skins and vine leaves.

 The Bacchante is symbolic of both ecstasy and the destructive power of the God she worships and his major attribute, wine.

 This panel was made in 1958 for John
Thomson & Co liquor department and
was commissioned by Bob Waters, then
manager of the department store.

 The western wall was a logical placement
for this panel as the afternoon sun exuded
the classical red colour of wine as it
permeated the glass.

 In the 1980s when Thomsons was
redeveloped, the panel disappeared.

 Consequently, it was found in the cellar
of the building covered in dust, sleeping
quietly till discovered.

 After 15 years of slumber, it now shines
as a beacon of Hamilton's provenance in
private quarters.
"McAllister Family Homestead"
Disassembled Seven Frame Panel originally in a private residence in Hamilton, Victoria.
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
Figure on Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"Theo Portrait"
Pencil Drawing
Private Collection, Keilor Downs, Vic
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
Tile on Veneer
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
Tile on Veneer
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
Acrylic on Wood
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
Acrylic on Wood
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"Woman & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
"Woman & Children"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
"Free Spirit"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"Seated Woman"
Watercolour
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"Lulu"
Watercolour
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"Siblings"
OIl on Canvas
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"3 Sisters"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Alexandra Hills, Qld
"Innocence"
Glazed Tile - 1973
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
"Woman"
Glazed Tile - 1975
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
Statue
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
 Doreen Carswell was a true friend of Jeans and corresponded throughout his working career. Many articles
in newspapers and magazines were attributed to her belief that Jean's artistic talents would reach the zenith
both aspired to.

 Her creative written skills, beside an intimate knowledge of his exuberance and bouts of disillusionment amid the
obscure and somewhat divisional public expectation of cultural thought, were passionately transcribed for the
benefit of Jean's work.

 In the years he resided in Hamilton, Doreen's articles regarding Jean's legacy were published in the Herald Sun,
Weekly Times, The Age, Woman's Day, People, Prime Time, Craft Australia amongst many other major publications.
During this time Doreen's enthusiasm was a major contributing factor in Jean's ability to continue his creativity. She
was instrumental in showcasing his personal cultural resume to the majority of public interested, through her medium
- something Jean felt he was forever indebted and grateful for.

 In 1974, Jean insisted on creating a window for Doreen in gratitude. Jean
asked Doreen for a theme. “The sun and wheat fields of Wycheproof, the
rolling hills of Coleraine and the river of Benalla, reflecting where her married
life had taken her,” as recalled by her son Tom.

 Jean Orval was aware his legacy belonged as much to Doreen Carswell as was
the legacy of communicating his presence and exhibiting his works through
word and text. Her contribution in journalism was also recognised and
published by a major Dutch newspaper Verbatim, regarding Jean. A tribute
for Doreen was little recompense for the journalism endorsement and
friendship throughout his achievements, he wrote.

 The window is a twofold legacy of enlightenment.

 This website is a natural extension of Doreen Carswell's many legacies,
for without her input and understanding, history would be the lesser.

 - Noel and Rachael Orval.

 Doreen passed away peacefully at Alkoomi Nursing Home, Benalla on January 19, 2012. Beloved wife of Albert Lawrence [dec]. Loved mother and mother in law of David and Mary, Thomas and Glenda, Barbara, Delwyn. Loving grandmother of Erin and Martin.
Doreen on one of her many visits with Jean and Phine.
"Birth Plate"
Glazed Tile - 1957
Private Collection,
Southport, Qld
"Birth Plate"
Glazed Tile - 1974
Private Collection,
Boulder, Western Australia
"The 3 Graces"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Woman" & "Adam & Eve"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Hamilton, Vic
"Man, Woman & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Leopold, Vic
"Veritas"
Pencil/Charcoal Drawing
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Eve"
Pencil/Charcoal Drawing
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Noel's Birth Card"
Metal Lithograph
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Madonna & Child"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection, Victoria
"Madonna & Child"
Glazed Tile by John Orval Jnr
Private Collection, Victoria
"Man & Woman"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection, Hamilton, Vic
"Woman & Horse"
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Veritas"
Stained Glass by John Orval Jnr
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Adam & Eve"
Private Collection,
Hamilton, Vic
"Abstract"
Private Collection, Hamilton, Vic
"Woman"
Panel by John Orval Jnr
Private Collection, Victoria
Private Collection,
Victoria
"Cornucopia"
Private Collection, Narracan, Vic
"Birds"
Private Collection, Narracan, Vic
"The Blacksmith"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Narracan, Vic
"Woman"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Keilor Downs, Vic
"Woman and Children"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Madonna and Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Woman and Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Woman and Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Family"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"The Artist"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Rapture"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Vic
"Woman & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Hamilton, Vic
"Christ &
The Cross"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Madonna & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Keilor Downs, Vic
"Child"
Opaline Glass
"Woman"
Opaline Glass
"Woman"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Contradiction"
Watercolour
Private Collection, Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Euterpe"
Private Collection,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"Apollo"
Private Collection,
Bacchus Marsh, Vic
"The 3 Graces"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
A composition of the various stages involved in the production of Stained Glass
These panels were at the entrance to Jean's studio
Private Collection, Hamilton, Vic
"Adam & Eve"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection,
Ballarat, Vic
"Sketch for Johanna Mertin (nee Harberts)"
Pencil Drawing, Private Collection,
Melbourne, Victoria
Johanna remembers that she took lessons with Jean in 1960 and was more adept at drawing faces. In this sketch, Johanna completed the face and Jean completed the remaining composition, though he put her name to the piece.

"Abstract"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection
"Abstract"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection
"Fertility"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection
"Woman & Child"
Glazed Tile
Private Collection
"Terpsichore"
Private Collection,
Hamilton, Vic
"Madonna & Child"
Opaline Glass
Private Collection, Hamilton, Vic