112, 114, 116, 118, 120 & 122 Potterrow

Category

Library Item

Item no

16841

Title

112, 114, 116, 118, 120 & 122 Potterrow

Description

An old rough stone constructed building stands in the Potterrow, Edinburgh. At street level a shop advertises the Bristo Chapel's "Eat more fish" campaign. To the left of it is an arched entrance into a shop called Wardrobe. Washing hangs out of many of the Georgian multi-paned windows. A wooden handcart lies abandoned on the cobbled road outside.

Artist / maker

Rushbrook, A. H.

Date

1929

Size

20.3 x 15.5 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The early twentieth century saw a growing concern with the living conditions of many of Edinburgh's lower classes. From the 1920s onwards the Burgh Engineer's Department carried out many photographic surveys of deprived areas of the city, creating both a record of what was there and a basis for the creation of new housing. A survey of the St Leonard's area of Edinburgh was carried out by Edinburgh Council between 1927-29 in advance of the demolition and reconstruction of much of the area.

The Edinburgh and Scottish Collection has several volumes of photographs taken prior to reconstruction which covers areas such as Potterrow, Dumbiedykes, West Crosscauseway and the Pleasance. Although the images were taken to record the state of the housing, they are populated by the inhabitants of the Southside, who are captured going about their daily business of shopping, working and leaning out of windows to watch the world go by. Many of the local businesses are also represented with a wide array including confectioners, hairdressers and butcher's shops, all decorated with a fascinating range of advertisements.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Architecture > Architectural features > Chimneys

Architecture > Architectural features > Doors and doorways

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Business > Service industry > Shops

Homes > Residential buildings > Tenements

Places > Edinburgh areas > Southside

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Cobbled streets

Transport > Infrastructure > Pavements

Read how our collections have inspired people taking part in events, visits and community groups. Use the slider or navigation arrows to see more responses.