On a recent visit, I take my own Leith mural tour, starting in Bonnington (formerly Bonny toun) Road with the Swanfield Mill mural (1986), by David Wilkinson, a tall, majestic work that references the old Swanfield Flour Mill, of which only one building survives.
Swanfield Mill mural |
I almost miss the Eduardo Paolozzi mural (2014) by Russell Ian Dempster, a splendid backdrop for anyone waiting at the bus stop on Henderson Street. Pop artist Paolozzi grew up nearby, in a flat above his Italian parents' ice cream and confectionary shop.
Eduardo Paolozzi mural |
Another of the original murals was painted alongside the Leith Social Work Department building, now gone. As part of an environmental project in 1984, residents of Links View House were asked to choose the subject matter and Tim Chalk and the Artists' Collective got to work creating a sea view with gulls and a variety of flags. The goalposts were added later, I reckon.
Links View mural |
On to the Leith Dockers Club in Academy Street, where Tom Ewing was commissioned to paint a tribute to Leith and the club. The mural is entitled Sunshine on Leith and depicts Leith Walk, the old docks and other landmarks of the area, including the former seaman's mission, now the Malmaison hotel. It was unveiled by Trainspotting author, Irvine Welsh, in 2014.
Leith Dockers Club mural detail |
Round a few more back alleys, I find the Leith Aquatic Mural (2013) by the Blameless Collective at the end of Halmyre Street. This wonderful seascape features elements based on the memories of residents of the Port of Leith Housing Association's Jameson Place. Central to the mural is the Leith-registered steam trawler SS Explorer, and weaving in and out are visual references to fishwives, the Proclaimers' Sunshine on Leith and, of course, Trainspotting.
Leith Aquatic mural |
Leith Aquatic mural, Trainspotting reference |