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The Butterfly Panels
Designed and engraved by
Alison Kinnaird MBE
The Butterfly was chosen as the theme, because it has been used for hundreds of years to represent the soul and reincarnation. The panels show the life cycle of the butterfly, beginning with magnified representations of butterfly eggs, which are different for each species. The caterpillar and its silken threads suggest that life can be fragile and tenuous. These sections are set against a background of butterfly silhouettes, as if in a collection, but which symbolise the crucifixion.
The pupae, some containing the suggestion of human figures, represent the potential of all for spiritual rebirth. The butterflies burst from the pupae, and through the empty silhouettes, becoming more and more colourful as they are drawn towards the light of the last panel, where the last silhouette again symbolises the ascent of the spirit.
The front panels which greet the visitor to the centre were commissioned by Marchmont St Giles’ Parish Church, to mark the opening of the new Church Centre.
The panels on the reverse, facing into the centre, show butterflies again, beginning with a single insect and congregating gradually to form a host, in brilliant colours. This symbolises the Centre as a gathering place.
These Gathering panels were donated to the Church by Margaret and Alison Kinnaird in memory of John, husband and father; an elder and a former Treasurer and Session Clerk of this church who died in 1995.
The panels are of optical crystal, engraved by copper-wheel and sandblast. They are lit by LEDs, with dichroic colour. Technical assistance with the lighting system is by Robin Morton.
Follow this link to find more about Alison Kinnaird http://www.alisonkinnaird.com/ , please note - this will direct you out of the Marchmont St Giles website.