Mansfield Traquair Centre

Fringe-goers may remember the former catholic church building at the foot of Broughton Street when as Cafe Grafitti it buzzed with live music acts from around the world. Or maybe you were there when it was a bustling, night club with live bands at weekends?

These days the Mansfield Traquair Centre with its celebrated Phoebe Traquair murals, is still a popular choice for functions needing extra drama. The EIFF held its closing party here.

The building was designed by nineteenth-century architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson and completed in 1885. The Traquair murals were added in the 1890s. They were somewhat neglected and in 1993 a campaign was raised to save the murals.

Inside it's an impressive building, and in contrast to its brooding exterior, the tall murals with their rich colours, floor mosaics, stained glass windows, and towering ceiling create a surprisingly warm ambience.

The Mansfield Traquair Centre is usually open to visitors for the afternoon of the second Sunday of the month from September to July. Group visits can book in advance (see link).