St Machar’s Cathedral in 1688

Journey through time with my watercolour rendition of St Machar’s Cathedral, an imaginative glimpse into its historical splendor around 1688. Unlike a photograph, this painting reimagines the Cathedral, untouched by General Monck’s alterations in 1654. The storm-induced collapse of the tower and spire in 1688, a pivotal event, takes center stage, offering a unique perspective on the Cathedral’s evolution.

The Watercolour

Layering subtle washes over days, I meticulously reconstructed architectural details, infusing life into a historical St Machar’s that may have graced Aberdeen centuries ago. The vibrant hues and delicate strokes breathe life into this evocative portrayal, allowing art lovers to connect with a bygone era.

St Machar’s Cathedral, arguably Aberdeen’s most renowned church, inspired me to draw and paint in watercolour. My architectural background led me to fill in the missing elements from historical records, completing the structure on a larger A2-sized canvas. Subtle, transparent washes over the subject, surrounded by sky, grassy areas, and trees, create a mellow, spiritual atmosphere.

Some History

The history of St Machar’s is a tapestry woven from its beginnings in the 6th century by Saint Machar. It evolved into a Cathedral around the 1130s, underwent extensive alterations in the 13th century under Bishop Cheyne, and faced the trials of the Wars of Independence in the 14th century.

Edward III’s sack of Aberdeen during this period marked a significant chapter. The Cathedral, expanded by Bishops Kinnimund and William Elphinstone, incorporated two front towers, a Nave with aisles, two Transepts, and an incomplete Choir. Stone spires were added in the 15th century, and Bishop Gavin Dunbar commissioned a timber ceiling with 48 Heraldic Shields in 1520.

Despite the challenges of the Reformation and General Monck’s rebuilding efforts in 1654, the Cathedral persisted. The storm in 1688, following the removal of the Choir, led to the collapse of the tower and spire, devastating the Transepts and the Nave’s east end. Repairs focused on the Nave, enabling its continuity as a parish church under the Protestant Church of Scotland.

In 1987, a musical note was added to its narrative with the restoration and installation of bells from St Stephen’s Church, Ealing.

As you gaze upon this imaginative portrayal, may you connect with the spirit of a bygone era, where the tower and spire once graced the skyline, and history unfolds with every brushstroke.

Enjoy the journey!