Tag: Doors open

Craigsbank threw open the doors to the church and halls over the weekend, 28 and 29 September 2024 as part of the annual Edinburgh Doors Open Festival.

67 people came through our doors during the day on the Saturday and the afternoon of the Sunday. Here’s a taste of what they thought:

‘My wife had visited a few years back and thought I would like it – she was right!’ (A well known Edinburgh writer)

‘I never realised this was here. It is absolutely lovely, serene and peaceful. My top place of Doors Open Days 2024. Thank you.’

‘Very impressive. One of the best modern churches I have visited. And very welcoming.      (Glasgow)’

‘What a fascinating find – I had no idea this church was here. I love the concept of the Covenanters’ gatherings in the hollows of the Pentlands reflected here.   Thank you’

‘Very impressive! Thanks for letting us see it.’

‘Thanks!  A very interesting and inspirational building! Super space with such a lot of thought put into the planning. Thank you for showing me around and sharing the knowledge and history of the building.’

‘A wonderful space! Thanks for the kindness of everyone.’

‘I’ve always wanted to visit Le Corbusier’s Church in France – it will probably never happen so it’s a delight to visit Craigsbank – A stunning design inside and out – Also a welcoming space which inspires a quiet awe…’

‘I’m so happy to have seen the interior of this remarkable building. Thank you for your warm welcome and information. I particularly liked the design on the chairs and altar (square shapes drawing included)’ 

‘Thank you for showing us around, we live nearby and it’s been interesting to learn more about the history and activity of the church’

‘I liked the bell and the doors…’ ( age 3 )

‘A beautiful space with beautiful people –thank you for opening up your church for us.’

‘Thanks for the hospitality! Very calm and peaceful spaces – we’re big fans of Modernist design and the use of natural / artificial light, natural wood and moss green is perfect.  Delighted your refurb has solved the water leak issues so you can continue to enjoy your space.’

‘Thoroughly enjoyed our visit today. Wonderful peaceful time viewing all the various spaces belonging to the church. We were made so welcome by everyone. Enjoyed reading about the history. Thank you (from Glasgow)’

‘Kudos to Architect for such a brave initiative in 1966. It brings so much peace just sitting in.  The only window on the façade is the mistake but it brought different character to the building.’

‘I really enjoyed the structure of the church! And the way the architect styled and designed the church. Thank you for the tour.’ ( age 11 )

‘Stunning !  Amazing design. The natural light flooding in is absolutely phenomenal. Very peaceful and inspiring experience. Thank you’

‘A wonderful space full of life and light!’

‘Fabulous church ! What an impressive and tranquil design. Many thanks.’

‘Been living in this street since 2013, yet I didn’t get to come in once! Such a fascinating building and history. Thanks’

‘Beautiful Building. Very friendly and informative people showing us round. Thank you so much.’

‘A great architectural building …nice rooms…cool shape…family friendly…clubs 😊…very nice people…’ (age 11)

‘A hidden gem of Architecture in Edinburgh. So happy to have seen it. Thank you’

‘A truly beautiful space and a very warm welcome. Thank you so much for a lovely Sunday afternoon.’

‘An amazing relaxing and inviting space. Gorgeous…’

‘Thank you  😊’

With grateful thanks to John and Els Baker and all who volunteered over the weekend

Craigsbank was one of the buildings that flung its doors wide open on Doors Open Sunday this year. And the result was really very positive indeed. John Baker arranged the weekend’s activities and he was ably supported by a strong team of volunteers.

64 individuals visited the buildings over the weekend. Below are just a few of the comments received:

• Fantastic experience: wonderful building: everyone so friendly and helpful.
• Thanks for taking part in Doors Open Day – loved the building and music
• So impressed! This “hidden gem” is amazing. Intriguing architecture. Even more I admire the way you form and run your church community. Our visit has been well worthwhile.
• Beautiful     Magical     Spiritual   Many thanks 
• It was a thrill to find such a beautiful modernist building in a part of Edinburgh we did not know. The quality of light and the serenity of the building make it very special apart from it’s functional success.
• Amazing architecture Thank you so much for your time and knowledge. This is a hidden gem.
• Having been Christened here on 8 August 1943, I found my visit a quite moving and enjoyable event. (Also repeated his visit to deliver copies of the October 1943 and March 1959  Intimations and family contributions)
• Very beautiful building, inside and out.
• Great to visit again and enjoyed Tree’s piece! ( Composer) Compliments the perfectly-realised minimalism of the architecture perfectly !
• The nicest church I have visited in a long time. Architecturally stunning and a surprisingly warm and inviting space. A reflection of the congregation, no doubt.
• Beautiful architectural lines. A hidden gem thanks to “Doors Open Day”
• This church has the WOW! Factor from the moment you catch sight of it coming round the corner and on entering – so unexpected to see the configuration which is so dramatic and inspiring. A wonderful space for worship – what a lucky congregation you are to have this gem. So pleased to hear that it has been recognised as “A” listed. Thank you for opening up today.
• We enjoyed the very warm welcome and were inspired by the beautiful airy space. The architecture is truly magnificent and is in great condition.
• An amazing place- well hosted – such a great performance and what a hidden gem. Wonderful.
• A wonderful display for a magnificent building! I appreciated the exhibits showing the construction of the complex. Great to see a hidden modernist gem in the City.
• A truly striking building beautifully looked after. Marion and John were brilliantly knowledgeable.
• A beautiful piece of Architecture. Really enjoyed talking to the volunteers and getting to experience the space and its wonderful light. Thank you

We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.

The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.

Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.

Open-times:

10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 23 September

1.00pm – 3.00pm Sunday 24 September

We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.

The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.

Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.

Open-times:

10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 23 September

1.00pm – 3.00pm Sunday 24 September

Bring someone to visit Craigsbank on Doors Open Weekend in September

We are delighted to report that Craigsbank will once again be open to the public as part of Doors Open Weekend in September – 23 and 24 September. It would be really wonderful if we could all bring one person (or more!) along who doesn’t know the building.

The entire building will be open – sanctuary and halls – so that visitors can see how the site responded to the demands for more space.

Between 11.00 am and 2.00pm on Saturday 23rd September cellist Joanna Stark will give performances of a composition by Tree Burton, for Craigsbank Church. The piece, ‘Floating Sanctuary’ is informed by the architecture and design of the church and was first presented at Doors Open Day 2017.

Open-times:

10.00am – 3.00pm Saturday 23 September

1.00pm – 3.00pm Sunday 24 September

Read more about Doors Open Day and our involvement here.

Craigsbank is much in demand from visitors with an interest in architecture.

The 20th Century Society visited Craigsbank Church on 4th June 23 as part of their Edinburgh ‘Sold Out’ Weekend. The Society has a passion for 20th Century Architecture, iconic buildings and design and arranges a range of visits, campaigns and seminars.

The visit to Craigsbank Church by 35 visitors as part of their Tour of Edinburgh’s 20th Century Architectural Highlights was really enjoyed and everyone appreciated experiencing the Sanctuary. During the visit comments were made about the quality of the Sanctuary space design and especially the daylighting, also admiring the building’s condition and potential for a range of activities.

One visitor, who had lived locally in his youth, clearly remembered being impressed and ‘spellbound’ by the changing daylighting patterns on the walls and thoroughly enjoyed returning to experience the space again.