Over a century ago, Leith, a proud and sovereign municipality, was swallowed up into Edinburgh’s burgeoning district lines. Despite a vote of 26,810 to 4,340, the town, along with its industrial dockyards and distinct history, became a part of the capital, threatening Leith’s autonomy and changing the cityscape forever.
The Leith History Mural of 1986 documents this, detailing through panels and patchwork the rich, individual past of a flourishing maritime trade, a notable part of Scottish cultural history. Now partly faded, the muted colours splayed across fencing and houses represent Leith’s past, present and future.
The mural artists Tim Chalk and Paul Grime present a wholly localised rendering of the district’s history. Weekly meetings were held with the local community so they very much influenced the content and composition of the mural, which depicts a number of scenes spanning over 70 years of locals’ memories and recollections. Events important to locals, such as the funeral procession following the Gretna Rail disaster of 1915, emphasise, through reminiscence and personalised tales, Leith as an individual, unique community within Edinburgh.
The mural, however, is not solely limited to the past. Born of sentiments of its time, including the gentrification of the area, and the call for socialism by many disparaged locals, The Leith History Mural is a tribute to the town’s ever-changing nature. The end panel cleverly conveys an undetermined future in the unplaced puzzle piece. It poses as a lesson to the younger generations on the significance of preservation but also of forward-thinking movements.
Today, it still holds a special place in the community, but all this is increasingly under threat. After years of weathering, the mural appears a shadow of its bright past, raising questions on its impending restoration. Its original artists, however, see little value in overpainting what is now in the past. Yet, the mural, although inspired by past events and people, was painted to celebrate Leith today – this pride must be preserved so it is carried on into its future.
“Light Up Leith History Mural” by yellow book is licensed under CC BY 2.0.