Portobello Beach, Assessment of Condition

Category

Library Item

Item no

4241

Title

Portobello Beach, assessment of condition

Description

Two men stand on the beach at Portobello, Edinburgh. They are wearing top hats and morning suits. Behind them are factory buildings with smoking chimneys and a small bridge that straddles a stream.

Artist / maker

McKean, John

Date

1891

Size

22.7 x 29.6 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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(55°57′41″N, 3°7′25″W)

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