Mansfield Traquair

Important note: All pictures in this post are credited to my friend Rebecca. To see more of this beautiful site, check out her blog where she's posted a number of other great shots of the murals.

This past Sunday, Joe and I went with our friends, Scotty and Rebecca, to visit the Mansfield Traquair. Joe and I stumbled upon this hidden jewel one recent Sunday afternoon as we walked home from church. While crossing a street, Joe noticed what I assumed what just another old, beautiful church building. Well, his curiosity prevailed so we made our way over the front to check it out. Turns out this is the former home of the Catholic Apostolic church built in 1885. Apparently, the church hired an Irish artist, Phoebe Traquair, Scotland's leading arts and crafts artist, to create colorful murals all about the sanctuary. Joe and I were really intrigued when we read the sign touting the church as "Edinburgh's Sistine Chapel."

When I got home and looked up the church, I was excited to learn that they have an open day every month, where you can tour the building. So, Joe, Scotty, Rebecca and I decided to check out this "Sistine Chapel" and were quite impressed. We agreed that label might be a bit of a stretch, but it is breathtaking, nonetheless.


During our tour, we learned that the building has not been used as a church since the early 1900s. After the Catholic Apostolic Church began to diminish, the building was purchased for use as a brick warehouse. The owners of this warehouse took very poor care of the building which quickly feel into quite a state of disrepair: brick dust covered the murals, the roof leaked, and water began to run down the beautifully painted walls. Fortunately, with some persistence (and some sly business tactics) a group of concerned citizens were able to purchase the building and restore it to its earlier glory. Today, the building is used as a venue for weddings and receptions. It is apparently one of the most sought venues in town.