Edinburgh: Greyfriars Tollbooth & Highland Kirk, Church of Scotland, Nave

Memorial Window- Principal William Robertson (1721-1793), St Luke

Window of three lancet lights.

This window depicts St. Luke in the centre medallion and a coat of arms for Principal Robertson. Except for this central medallion, the windows are of a grisaille design.

This window was donated by the Earl of Minto, Mr. John Russell and other relatives in memory of William Robertson, who was Principal of Edinburgh University, Minister of Greyfriars and Historiographer for Scotland. He served as a minster for 32 years and died in 11 June 1793.

Dedication:
‘In memoriam Gulielmi Robertson D.D. hujus ecclesiae per trigenta duo annos pastoris, obiit 11 Junii MDCCXCIII.’

Firm/Company:
James Ballantine and Son: (James: 1808-1877, Alexander: 1841-1906, James: 1878-1940) The founder James, was born in Edinburgh. He was apprenticed to a house painter as a young man and had few advantages in the way of education. He later campaigned for the education of apprentices beyond the craft/trade they were learning. He also mixed paints as a young man for David Roberts, a scenic artist at the Theatre Royal. He continued by apprenticing in Stained Glass and established his own business with George Allan in 1837. James was out spoken in leading the Stained Glass design aesthetic in Scotland and was incredibly prolific. His son Alexander took over the firm in 1877, he then trained his son James, who took over the firm in 1906.