Portobello Baths

Category

Library Item

Item no

4335

Title

Portobello Baths

Description

The sign outside the baths at Portobello entitles them the Edinburgh Sea Water Baths. The stone building has a balcony running along the front and a double entrance with carving about the entrances. A group of men are standing beside the railings outside which are decorated with advertisments.

Artist / maker

Inglis, Alexander Adam

Date

1908

Size

15.6 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

People > Adults > Men

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Swimming pools

(55°57′12″N, 3°6′24″W)

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