Born near Burgos in northern Spain, Lesmes entered the monastery of Monserrat as a young man. After displaying considerable talent in drawing and painting he went on to Rome for further training from where Abbot Torres was able to borrow his services in 1913.

During the following eight years in New Norcia he worked prodigiously producing hundreds of drawings and extensive wall paintings in the church, college chapels and monastery. In 1921 Lesmes returned to Spain.

Click HERE to see Chapel Dome

Fr Lesmes developed this model of the chapel dome on display in the museum for use in planning and designing one of his larger projects - the dome and interior of the St Gertrude's College chapel . 

(painted tin over wood frame)

 Model for the painted dome in St Gertrude's Ladies College Chapel