Friend (a definition): a person who one knows and trusts...a person with whom one is allied in a struggle or cause...The ‘Friends of Mansfield Traquair’ introduced “Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel” to the world, all the time ensuring its protection, preservation and restoration. Sweeping away its shroud to reveal the glory of a place unlike any other, the Friends have given Mansfield Traquair its well-deserved future.
In 1992, the Friends of Mansfield Place Church (later to be known as Friends of Mansfield Traquair Centre) formed out of despair at the continued descent of the building and its murals into decay.
The Friends’ efforts were focused on raising the profile of the building by highlighting its association with Phoebe Anna Traquair, who was the subject of an exhibition in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery the following year. Public awareness grew as a result of the Friends’ activities, and gave rise to a widespread resolution to improve the state of the old building.
The Mansfield Traquair Trust was formed in 1993 following growth of public concern at the deterioration of the condition of the Church, the damage to the murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair and the lack of an acceptable or viable use for the building.
The aims of the Mansfield Traquair Trust are to seek a viable long-term future for the building and to ensure that the fabric and the murals are repaired and conserved for the benefit of the public at large. All income and expenditure is dedicated to achieving these aims.
The Trustees bring a wealth of experience in fields of art, architecture, history of art and architecture, fund-raising, the conservation and reuse of historic buildings, project and building management. More information can be found at
www.mansfieldtraquair.org.uk
Initially, the Friends supported the Trust by raising funds through the selling of greeting cards and a guide book on the church. Nowadays, besides the selling of publications, the Friends give guided tours and illustrated talks.
The Friends still continue their work in support of the Trust and involvement in the building’s welfare, currently promoting sponsorship of sections of the murals amongst other activities. The Trust also endures, with past and present trustees contributing valuable and relevant time and expertise to the cause.
