Field Visit
Date 13 March 2002
Event ID 613118
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/613118
The ten virgins in a pediment, the five wise virgins in the centre. The central figure holds her lighted lamp aloft. To her left (east) another holds a lighted lamp at waist level. The next virgin (east) stands with her back to us holding a lamp in her right hand. Beyond her is a kneeling foolish virgin and at the extreme right (east) is a sleeping foolish virgin. To the right (west) of the central figure is a standing wise virgin holding an oil bottle in her left hand, then a wise virgin holding a lighted lamp in her left hand and pointing with her right hand. At her feet is a foolish virgin on her knees, with a lighted lamp, asking for oil. Beyond her (west) another foolish virgin is on her knees facing (west) towards the last foolish virgin who is rising from sleep.
The original building was by David Bryce, in 1839. The pediment sculpture by Steell was carved for that building. In 1897-1901 a new building was erected by John More Dick Peddie & George Washington Browne. Steell's pediment was re-erected on this building.
On 13 January The Building News reported that the building was 'nearly completed in its cornice' and that preparation was 'being made for a decorative frieze.' (1) [See EDIN0647]
The parable of the ten virgins, Matthew, 25 (1-13)
Inspected By : T.S.
Inscriptions : Above entrance:
STANDARD LIFE INVESTMENTS
Signatures : None Visible
Design period : 1839 (pediment sculpture) / 1897-1901
Information from Public Monuments and Sculpture Association (PMSA Work Ref : EDIN0646)
