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

Memorial Window- Minister John Erskine of Carnock D.D.

Window of three lancet lights.
This window depicts a central coat of arms of Erskine of Carnock. Except for this central coat of arms, the windows are of a grisaille design.

This window was donated by Thomas Erskine of Linlathen and other relatives of Dr. Erskine.

Dedication:
‘In memory of John Erskine of Carnock, D.D., Minister of Old Greyfriars parish, from 1758 to 1803, born 1720 died 1803.

(A description of Erskine’s preaching may be found in Walter Scott’s novel ‘Guy Mannering’.)

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.