Proposed Municipal & Police Buildings, Portobello

Category

Library Item

Item no

4393

Title

Proposed municipal & police buildings, Portobello, front elevation

Description

The architectural design drawing for the front of the proposed Portobello Town Hall and Police Station by R Paterson and son, architects. The Baronial style building has a central clock tower with a spire and flagpole. The wings have a crow stepped design over two of the windows.

Artist / maker

Unknown

Date

1877

Size

27 x 32.4 cm

Type

Pen work

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

Government > Local > City and town halls

Government > Local > Police stations

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

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