An arts charity that has taken over part of an iconic church in Aberdeen has set out its vision for the future of the building.
Scot-ART took ownership of West Kirk within the Kirk of St Nicholas from the Church of Scotland last month and has promised to preserve and promote the historic integrity and significance of the "Mither Kirk”.
Formally known as Edinburgh Palette, the charity has set out its proposals in documents submitted to Aberdeen City Council. It has vowed to “to preserve the historic integrity of the “Mither Kirk” to create a centre for arts which will also be a place of education.
The challenge facing Scot-ART and Mill Architects is how to find a perfect balance between retaining the significance of the building, which dates back to the 1500s, and maximising its usability for the community.
According to the report, many things about the building will remain unaltered - all the pews at the balcony level will stay where they currently are without any change to the layout. Some of the pews have 18th century historic graffiti carved into them.
The Willis Pipe Organ – an integral part of the building’s fabric – will continue to be in use and its maintenance will be handled by The Seven Incorporated Trades.
Scot-ART hope to stage concerts, occasional Church of Scotland services and events requested by Robert Gordon College, Aberdeen University and Aberdeen City Council for which boxed pews and the organ remain essential.
Moreover, the pews on either side of the central aisle on the ground level will remain intact, ensuring that the view upon entering the building stays true to its original purpose.
St John’s Chapel, or the Oil Chapel, bears great significance to the people of the north-east of Scotland. In this chapel, a wooden screen and furniture designed by Tim Stead commemorate the 1988 Piper Alpha oil platform disaster in the North Sea which claimed the lives of 167 people. A stained-glass window designed by Shona MacInnes depicts the traditional life, work and culture within the region. The charity will take responsibility for maintaining the furnishings and preserving the integrity of the chapel.
Four large embroidered panels dating from the 17th century will remain in their current location, where they have been since 1922.
Overall, the building hosts more than a hundred significant artefacts. Not only will they remain in-situ but they will become part of a heritage trail that Scot-ART are currently planning with The Seven Incorporated Trades. The trail will end in the Drum Aisle, where visitors will learn about the building’s history in an exhibition.
Besides tourists, the charity intends for the space to be used by “charities, artists, community groups, workshops, work pods, pop up stalls, craft fairs and exhibitions”. Scot-ART has set out a range of alterations to the building to accommodate the expected number of visitors and activities.
To improve the usability of floor space on the ground floor, a number of boxed pews will be removed. They will find a new home in MacRobert Hall at Robert Gordon College. The Chamber Pipe Organ of the Drum Aisle will be donated to a retired organ builder. It hasn’t been used in decades and there is a plan to rebuild it and rehome it in another church in Stonehaven.
Heating, electrics, lighting and ventilation will undergo repairs and upgrades with minimal impact.
Additional toilets and a kitchen could be built within the non-original north section extensions of the building. To keep alterations to a minimum, a tea prep area is proposed in the section of the church that was altered in 2016 to accommodate a cupboard.
The alterations planned by Scot-ART are minimal but they are aimed at sustaining the building’s usability long-term. The charity’s ethos is community-oriented and it supports local creatives and third sector organisations in their task of fostering “a spirit of community, individuality, and creative expression.”
Creating a vibrant space in Aberdeen city centre is intended to serve as a catalyst for its regeneration.
The Oil Chapel:
