Portobello from the south-east

Category

Library Item

Item no

4391

Title

Portobello from the south-east

Description

A view from the countryside looking towards Portobello and across the firth to Fife. The broad road is bounded by a fence and hedges. The fields are being harvested and people are setting up stooks or sets of sheaves. The standing or uncut part of the crop is visible in the farther part of the field. A couple and two ladies and a girl can be seen on the road. The girl is carrying a hoop. The large house on the far right is Coillesdene House. Amongst the houses that line the coast the spire of Portobello Old Parish Church can be seen. There are many sailing and steam ships on the firth.

Artist / maker

Greenwood, C. J.

Engraver

Greenwood, C. J.

Date

1845

Size

27.1 x 36.3 cm

Type

Lithograph

Location

Edinburgh and Scottish Collection

Although the first sucessful mechanical reaper had been invented (Patrick Bell, Angus, 1828), such machines were rare, and in 1845, when this image was created, the crop was still sheared mostly with the heuk or sickle.

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

Agriculture and fisheries > Landscape > Fields

Agriculture and fisheries > Processes > Harvest

Homes > Residential buildings > Houses

Homes > Residential buildings > Mansions

Landscape > Water > Rivers and streams

People > Adults > Men

People > Adults > Women

People > Agriculture and fisheries > Agricultural labourers

People > Children > Children playing

People > Children > Girls

Places > Edinburgh areas > Portobello

Places > Scotland > Edinburgh

Religion > Religious facilities > Protestant churches

Sport and leisure > Activities > Walking

Transport > Infrastructure > Roads

Transport > Water > Ships

Transport > Water > Steamboats

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