Portobello Beach and Pier

Category

Library Item

Item no

4246

Title

Portobello Beach and Pier

Description

A view of Portobello beach and pier, Edinburgh. Men and women sit in rowing boats near the shore. Women walk along the jetty whilst two girls sit on the side of a boat with their feet in the water. The pier can be seen in the background.

Artist / maker

Balmain, James C. H.

Date

1880

Size

16.3 x 21 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.

Exhibitions with this item

Other views of this item

Related images

Related subjects

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Activities > Paddling

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Seaside piers

Transport > Water > Boats

(55°57′21″N, 3°6′34″W)

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