The village of Portobello near Edinburgh

Category

Library Item

Item no

4392

Title

The village of Portobello near Edinburgh

Description

Intricately detailed picture of the beach at Portobello, Edinburgh. Houses line the shore, including the Portobello Tower seen on the right. The spire of the Old Portobello Parish Church can be seen and Coillesdene House at the far left. The beach is a hive of activity with people riding horses, collecting mussels and children playing with toys. Rows of bathing wagons are on the sand and also being pulled to and from the water. Two little boats can be seen, one a fishing boat on the water and another a pleasure craft with its owner luring customers onboard.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1850

Size

18.2 x 29.1 cm

Type

Wash drawing

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 > Agriculture and fisheries > Fishermen

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Bathing wagons

Sport and leisure > Sports and recreation facilities > Beaches

Transport > Land > Horse and riders

Transport > Water > Boats

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Digital FileElectronic File 300 dpi TIFF	£37.20(inc. VAT 20%)
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