The iconography of altar clothes

The twins were fascinated by the icons on this altar cloth in the Chapel Royal  at Stirling Castle.  It was embroidered by members of the Stirling Branch of the Embroiders Guild and designed by textile artist, Malcolm Lochhead.  They take inspiration from the waves and seascapes of the chapel's upper walls.

The chapel is used regularly for interdenominational services, so the icons depicted come from many faiths.  In fact I attended a wedding service in it some years ago that was actually two services in one - first by a Catholic priest, and then a Rabbi - reflecting the backgrounds of the couple being married.