Ceremonial Mace
- Artist:
- Type: Ceremonial object
- Medium: Mace
- Production Date:
- Period:
- 1960s
- Description: The ceremonial mace was designed and made by William Kirk, an Edinburgh silversmith. It was commissioned and gifted by the congregation of Logie Kirk on 7th March 1968 as a gift to the University of Stirling to mark its foundation. The shaft of the mace contains a scroll showing the names of the members of Logie Kirk whose generous support made the gift possible.
The mace symbolises the University's special status as a body incorporated by royal decree. It is the physical embodiment of the University's power and authority, and is used on ceremonial occasions such as graduation.
This is William Kirk's description of the ideas behind the design:
The Head
The head is made of seven silver shapes joining together to form two compartments. The upper compartment encloses a rock form surmounted by a mural coronet symbolizing both the Castle and the Town 'set upon a rock'. This part is in gold. the lower compartment forms seven half arches recalling the seven arched bridge in both the Burgh and University Arms.
The Knop
Set below the head is a silver knop. This is circular and carries in coloured enamels four shields being the Arms of the County of Stirling, the University of Stirling, the Burgh of Stirling, and the Church of Scotland.
The Shaft
The silver shaft is a slim tapered hexagon having the sides alternately smooth and rough textured. The three plain sides have engraved inscriptions reading:
'The gift of Logie Kirk to the University of Stirling 7th March, 1968'
'Keep hold of instruction, do not let go; guard her, for she is your life.' Proverbs 4; 13 R.S.V.
'The great schools...shall be replenished with those that be apt to learning.' First Book of Discipline.
The Terminal Knop
This is a simple circular shape in silver decorated with flames in gold signifying the Torch of learning and the Burning Bush of the Church of Scotland. The shaft extends through the terminal knop forming an end piece. Set deep in this end piece is a lead communion token from Logie Kirk.
NB The booklet produced at the time of the presentation of the ceremonial mace 'From Kirk to University' contains much more information, and includes a reproduction of the words on the scroll. The booklet is kept in the Art Collection Archive. - Dimensions: Length 43 in. (109 cm) Weight 138 oz.
- Acquisition Note: The Ceremonial Mace was presented to the University of Stirling by the congregation of Logie Kirk. Transferred to the care of the Art Collection in 2022.
- Digital Copy:A digital copy exists.
- Location: Store
- Accession Number: 2022.15
- Contact: University of Stirling Art Collection
