Scottish Stained Glass Trust
Some ten years ago (2009 / 2010) contact was made with The Scottish Stained Glass Trust (SSGT). A primary purpose of the Trust was the promotion of Religious Harmony. Further information on the activities of the Trust can be found
HERE.
One of the objectives of the trust was to create a database of stained glass windows in Scotland. This work has been taken on by SCRAN, part of Historic Environment Scotland. The General Trustees of the Church of Scotland are supporting this project, initially for churches in Edinburgh. The database can be viewed
HERE.
Designers & Manufacturers
James Ballantine
James Ballantine and Son of Edinburgh were commissioned to produce the 1914 - 1918 Oathlaw window. The firm was founded circa 1828 by James Ballantine, the James Ballantine noted in the Session minutes would be the founders grandson. Further details on the firm and examples of their work can be found
HERE (Imaging the Bible in Wales).
Background information on the founder, James Ballantine can be found
HERE. In addition to his skills with glass, Ballantine was a noted poet and writer, as an aside a verse from one of his poems is noted below:-
Ilka Blade o’ Grass Keps its ain Drap o’ Dew
Confide ye aye in Providence, for Providence is kind,
And hear ye a’ life’s changes wi’ a calm and tranquil mind.
Tho’ press’d and hemm’d on every side, hae fath an ye’ll win through,
For ilka blade o’ grass keps its ain drap o’ dew.
Douglas Hamilton
Douglas Hamilton (1895-1959), a Glasgow based designer was responsible for many Church Windows throughout Scotland, a number of which were produced as War Memorials.
A book on his life has recently been published by The Reverend Jeff Hopewell (Retired), the book titled "Ochestrations of Colour" has reference to the Oathlaw Window. Rev'd Hopewell visited Tannadice church as part of his research.(Details
HERE)
An internet search on 'Douglas Hamilton stained glass' will result in many examples of his work in Scotland, with some churches providing narrative on the designs.
Insurance Valuation
In 1990, a valuation of the Oathlaw windows was requested for insurance purposes, this was estimated at £50,000, being the cost to replace them. An 'open market' value would be less. 30 years on, the casement lighting has been upgraded, the images above revealing the full detail of the designs.