I have often remarked about how much there is to see above street level, if only people took the trouble to look above street level there is a wealth of interesting material to be discovered. After lunch at the rather splendid Dome on our recent Edinburgh adventure (see here) I discovered these wonderful relief sculptures along the pediment of the Standard Life Building just over the road in George Street.
Three wise virgins
The friezes, known as the Glass Virgins, were commissioned from the sculptor Gerald Laing for the pediment of Standard Life’s headquarters when the Victorian building was given an otherwise bland corporate face lift in 1975, Laing’s sculptures were added to the pediment in 1977.
the rest of the wise virgins
I imagine Standard Life must have drawn a comparison between the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, where the smatypants virgins are bright enough to bring along extra lamp oil to light the wedding procession, and taking out one of their life assurance policies.
Five Foolish virgins
Personally I think the Foolish Virgins are rather lovely, looking almost like a piece of 1930s Art Deco.
It does look like art deco. Interesting sculptures. I would have probably missed them. I never remember to look up.
Gerald Laing’s other sculptures are quite retro looking for a post-modern artist
Nice captures, Simon. I usually do look up. Must be time for another trip to Edinburgh. (when it gets warmer)
We were there between Christmas and New Year and it was very cold
Interesting that the Foolish Virgins are all alike, while the Wise ones are all different.