Thomas Muir

“I have devoted myself to the cause of the people.

It is a good cause… It shall ultimately prevail…

It shall finally triumph”

Thomas Muir (Aug 1793)

Cadder Church’s

‘Thomas Muir Wemorial Window’

Project aim

A window to commemorate the Scottish political reformer, Thomas Muir, in his home church in the 250th anniversary of his birth

About the project

The window will be in etched glass by the Scottish glass artist Anita Pate. Here is a sample of her work and an artists sketch of the window to be created for Cadder Church.

Inspiration

The left panel portrays Muir's life in Scotland prior to his trial and deportation. The cross is the symbol of his faith, the scales of justice his passion for justice and his career as an advocate. The crests are of the two universities where he studied, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The chestnut leaves are a reminder of the trees at his home, Huntershill, the hop flowers are a reminder of the family's trade. The design on the scales and the weaving at the bottom of the panel are reminders of the weavers and calico workers whose rights Muir sought to defend.

 

The right panel follows him into exile to Botany Bay and his escape taking with him only a Bible and compass, both depicted here along with the sea and a sailing ship. The cross again appears and beside it the Martyrs' Memorial from Calton Hill in Edinburgh which commemorates Muir and those who suffered with him.