The Murals - The North Aisle

The north aisle illustrates the three final scenes of the parable of the wise and foolish virgins: in the first scene against a background of the Eildon Hills near Melrose the wise virgins continue their journey while the foolish virgins turn back to fetch oil. In the centre scene, the wise virgins are greeted by the hands of Christ reaching through an open doorway while angels sing and play instruments to celebrate the union of the human and the divine. In the final scene from the parable, the foolish virgins arrive as dawn is breaking – too late – and find the door firmly closed.

Traquair added two scenes of a foolish virgin being comforted by an angel and, above the archway leading to the nave) an image of Christ knocking at the door of the soul with five sleeping ladies behind the door (the virgins getting a second chance?). This latter is a direct reference to The Light of the World by William Holman Hunt, a friend of Traquair.

On the upper north wall, above a Virgin and Child with adoring angels and mortals, a panel represents Righteous and Peace have kissed, Mercy and Truth are met together. Below is an image of the Eucharist.

All around are other vignettes in a rich foliate border with flowers, birds, mythical beasts and a parade of animals reflecting the creation. This decoration is a homage to William Morris, the leader of the Arts & Crafts movement who died in 1896, the year before the north aisle was painted.

The flat, sloping ceiling is furnished with decorative heads, flowers and beasts in a revived early-seventeenth century style.