Tramway abandonment, Portobello

Category

Library Item

Item no

4293

Title

Tramway abandonment, Portobello

Description

Men with pickaxes and hammers dismantle the tramlines at Portobello High Street, Edinburgh. Shops line the side of the street including Brown and Grieve. As well as the workmen on the road several men are passing by.

Artist / maker

Brodie, J. B.

Date

1956

Size

13.7 x 20 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

Business > Service industry > Shops

People > Adults > Men

People > Industry > Labourers

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh