Cowgate

Category

Library Item

Item no

19090

Title

Cowgate

Description

Cowgate - south side near east end.

Artist / maker

Channing, William

Date

1850

Size

25.2 x 17.4 cm

Type

Pencil work

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

The Cowgate runs from its junction with St Mary's Street (formerly St Mary's Wynd) and the Pleasance to the Grassmarket. Cattle were driven along this route when entering Edinburgh from grazing land outside the city. The Cowgate Port was a gateway through the Flodden Wall situated at the street's east end.

William Channing's drawings and paintings from the bound volume of his 'Sketches in Edinburgh', give an artist's impression of tenement life in the mid 19th century. His drawings are glimpses into the past down the narrow Closes and alleyways of the Old Town. We see higgledy-piggledy houses and tenements towering skywards, laundry hanging from windows across the walkways and local characters talking in the streets.

Channing's delightful sketches are particularly valued for their representation of the architectural elements and details of buildings and closes now much changed or long since disappeared.

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 > Roofs

Architecture > Architectural features > Stairways

Architecture > Architectural features > Windows

Business > Service industry > Shops

Places > Edinburgh areas > Cowgate

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Transport > Infrastructure > Alleys

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.