Edinburgh: St Anne´s Corstorphine Church of Scotland: Apse

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ

Window of one round headed light.

This window depicts the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Two angels hover over the cross, holding open books. At the side of Jesus Christ are Mary, Mary Magdalene and John holding a book. The lower scene depicts the Jesus Christ and his disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Inscription:
‘As Moses lifed up the Serpent in the wilderness/ Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up’ (John 3:14 KJV)

‘They pierced my hands and feet’ (Psalm 22:16)

‘Great love hath/ no man than this/ that a man lay down his life /for his friends.’ (John 15:13 KJV)

Artist/Designer:
Alfred Webster: (1883- 1915) was born in Glasgow. He studied at the Glasgow School of Art and was taken on by the Stephen Adam Studio. He designed domestic panels and cartooning, but his talents were obvious. He became a partner in 1909 and due to a split with Stephen Adam and his son, Webster inherited the studio when Stephen Adam died in 1910. Webster’s life was tragically cut short as he joined the Gordon Highlanders in March 1915 and died the same year. His widow, Maude Cochrane and young children, Maryn, Gordon and Comyn, were left with the studio, so she took over the business side, while Douglas Hamilton, Webster’s assistant took over the workshop along with various other freelance artists, keeping the studio in business and later training the son’s of Alf Webster, although Gordon was the one who successfully carried on the business.

Firm/Company:
Stephen Adam Studio
Stephen Adam (1848-1910) was born in Bonnington, Edinburgh. He apprenticed with James Ballantine in Edinburgh, until he was recruited by Daniel Cottier. Adams founded his own studio in 1868 based in Glasgow. His son Stephen Adam Jr. joined the firm in 1893-1904, before a falling out and he left the company. The company and man were incredibly prolific.