The latest House of Ugly Fish fused glass art piece is an extra special one. It is to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the SS Vega, the Red Cross ship that brought life-saving supplies to the Island of Jersey during WW2. The fused glass art will be hanging in a building in Liberation Square in Jersey.

The fused glass art is made up of three panels and is an interpretation of the day. It features women, children and older people waiting on the quayside with the German officers and soldiers. The Germans had to check through every box before they would release the contents to the starving people of Jersey.

Red Cross TributeIf you’re not familiar with the history of Jersey during the Second World War, let us give you a brief summary. Jersey was the only British soil to be occupied during the war as the British government decided that the islands weren’t strategically important and didn’t defend them as the German army made its way through France. German troops occupied the island for five years starting from the 30th June 1940.

During that time, Adolf Hitler turned Jersey into an impregnable fortress and the island’s government continued under German rule. When the Allied advanced across Europe, they disrupted the supply lines during the Normandy Landings and the 60,000 civilians and 26,800 troops in the garrison were left with rations and limited supplies. The situation became very desperate and the Red Cross had to get involved; sending the Vega with supplies.

We’re delighted to have the opportunity to pay such a lovely tribute to such a historical moment through our fused glass art. Images like this one make it into our glass all the time, and there’s no reason that we couldn’t do something just as specific for you, too. Make sure you don’t wait to get in contact if you’re interested!