Mortuary Chapel Murals at Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Sick Children
In 1885, Phoebe Anna Traquair received her first professional commission to decorate a tiny coalhouse as the Mortuary Chapel.
Her murals comforted bereaved parents, but when the hospital relocated in June 2021, they became obsolete.
In May 2024, Scottish Wall Paintings Conservators started a unique conservation project in the 'Category A' listed Mortuary Chapel.
The murals sustained and comforted bereaved parents.
Rescue and Restoration
The Mortuary Chapel had been in use from the 1890s until the hospital's relocation.
- 1885: Phoebe Anna Traquair received the commission.
- 1890s: The Mortuary Chapel started functioning.
- June 2021: The hospital relocated, and the murals became obsolete.
- May 2024: Conservation project began.
Author's summary: The Mortuary Chapel murals are being restored.