Edinburgh: Corstorphine Old Parish Church of Scotland, Nave. (North & West)

Fishers of men

Window of two lancet lights.

This window depicts Jesus Christ speaking to Simon and his brother Andrew (both fishermen, depicted in a boat with nets) that if they follow Him, he will make them fishers of men.

Dedication:
‘In memory of Alexander Thomson died 1774 his son Alexander Thomson died 1836 and James Dixon died 1857 elders in this church. Dedicated by their descendent Margaret Dixon Brown 1904’.

Firm/Company:
Alexander Ballantine and Son
BALLANTINE: 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 a partner) 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.

BALLANTINE AND GARDINER: Ballantine and Gardiner- (Partnership: 1892-1905) This was a successful partnership between Alexander Ballantine (1841-1906) (son of James Ballantine) and Herbert Gardiner ( - ) of Leicester. They were incredibly prolific for their short partnership together.