Arts and Crafts in Edinburgh

On 27th January, 36 friends journeyed to Edinburgh to see three significant Arts and Crafts buildings. First we went to the Robin Chapel of the Thistle Trust in Craigmillar. This was built by Sir Francis and Lady Tudbury in memory of their only son, Robin, who was killed in the last week of the Second World war. It is built in the finest of materials and the stained glass by Sadie Mclellan is luminous.it is a non denominational chapel and evensong is sung every Sunday.

We then travelled to the Song School at St Mary’s Cathedral  to see murals by Phoebe Traquair. The exposition by a very knowledgeable local guide gave us much information about the artist and the murals-she worked alone for four years to complete them.

After a quick break for refreshment at the Ocean terminal, we proceeded to Mansfield Traquair Centre. This is in the former Catholic Apostolic Church and the interior was decorated by Phoebe Traquair. Here three guides explained the murals and decoration which cover every inch of the walls and ceiling.

We all agreed that this had been a fantastic day, very well organised by Marion Maudsley and Ann Robertson. Our thanks go to them and to our driver who had to contend with heavy rain and heavy traffic.
The three sites we visited have excellent websites.

Angels

January 2016, Harry Dunlop: "A Sense of the Sacred."

© CSG CIC Glasgow Museums Collection

In August 2014 a stained glass window, The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin, 1923 by Irish arts and crafts artist Harry Clarke (1889-1931) was unveiled at Kelvingrove to wide public acclaim. Harry Dunlop, Learning Curator talked about the history, religious and cultural significance of this stained glass masterpiece which is fast becoming a Kelvingrove highlight.