Eight years after its donation, a painting of The Old Cathedral School by local artist Jeanni Grant-Nelson takes pride of place in the newly renovated school itself.

It was on June 18 when a small ceremony was held to unveil the artwork that was donated partially 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 October 2009, in Afghanistan.

Olaf Schmid was posthumously awarded the George Cross for his bravery and had strong links with the Cathedral where he was head chorister in the resident choir.

Reverend Roger Bush, Dean of Truro, said: “It was an absolute delight to unveil this beautiful painting together with Jeanni. The project to restore the Old Cathedral School was both challenging and extended, but the siting of this artwork, which captures the Old Cathedral School so well, feels like the final point in the completion of that project. It is a wonderful way to honour the memory of our former chorister, Olaf, too – and we are truly grateful to Jeanni.”

Jeanni knew of Schmid through her friendship with his mother and, upon hearing the plans for the renovation of The Old Cathedral School, generously donated her painting of it, which could be displayed in it upon its reopening.

The small crowd gathered at the unveiling ceremony included Barbara Schmid, Olaf’s mother. The piece has been hung on the vast chimney breast in the reception area of the cathedral offices, on the ground floor of the Old Cathedral School. The cathedral hope that the renovated building will now provide a community arts and music hub for all.