Portobello Beach

Category

Library Item

Item no

4221

Title

Portobello Beach

Description

An image of a very busy Portobello Beach, Edinburgh on a sunny day. The beach is crowded with people wearing Victorian dress, the ladies in hats and long dresses and the men in caps and suits. Many children are playing in the sand. Many people are also walking along the promenade towards the amusements and the chimney of the potteries. An ornate building on the promenade has a public house owned by P.Higgins on the corner.

Artist / maker

Inglis, Alexander Adam

Date

1900

Size

14.9 x 20.8 cm

Type

Photograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Portobello developed around a cottage built in the mid 18th century. The sailor who occupied the cottage had fought at Puerto Bello, a port in Panama captured by the British in 1739, and named his home after the battle. With its long beach the town became an increasingly popular leisure destination. It boasted a pier between 1871-1917 and an outdoor swimming pool between 1936-1979. Holidaymakers and day-trippers could also visit the Marine Gardens or the fun fair, both now demolished. The town has been part of Edinburgh since 1896.

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Related subjects

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Beaches

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