Mansfield Traquair

15 Mansfield Place
Edinburgh EH3 6BB, United Kingdom

Wednesday, 2nd July 2025

at two o’clock in the afternoon
please arrive by one thirty in the afternoon

Reception to follow

About the venue….

Mansfield Traquair, originally known as Mansfield Place Church, is one of Edinburgh’s most treasured historic buildings, celebrated for its intricate murals and grandiose architecture. Built in 1873, the church served the Catholic Apostolic Church and was later transformed into a community and event space after its deconsecration in the 20th century. The murals by Phoebe Anna Traquair, who was the first female member of the Royal Scottish Academy, are masterpieces of the Arts and Crafts Movement and were completed over an eight-year period. Traquair’s designs depict Biblical scenes and allegorical representations of life, faith, love, and eternity. Her use of vibrant colors, gilded details, and flowing forms create a visionary work that echoes medieval and Renaissance influences while bringing her distinctive style.

The building itself is a fine example of Romanesque Revival architecture, with its striking stone arches, vaulted ceilings, and large, arched windows. The interior is adorned with warm stone and intricate detailing that complements Traquair’s murals, lending a sense of harmony to the space. After years of disrepair, the Scottish Historic Buildings Trust undertook a major restoration in the late 1990s, preserving the murals and refurbishing the building for modern use while retaining its historical integrity.

Today, the Mansfield Traquair Centre functions as a venue for diverse events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, exhibitions, and concerts. It continues to attract art lovers, historians, and visitors who are captivated by Traquair's artistry and the building's serene atmosphere.

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