Legacy Blog
In praise of Stockbridge
Nineteenth century painter Henry Raeburn may well be the man responsible for giving the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh its bohemian charm; Raeburn lived all his life in Stockbridge's cobbled streets, just north of where Edinburgh's Georgian New Town now stands, on the other side of the Waters of Leith, that for centuries separated the village from the city centre.
He is best known for his painting The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, which hangs in Edinburgh's National Gallery of Scotland, the elaborate neoclassical edifice standing at the foot of The Mound.
In his day, Raeburn was one of the foremost portrait painters in the country. He painted many leading figures from law, art and literature - including a famous portrait of fellow Scot Sir Walter Scott - and was friendly with Sir Joshua Reynolds. Raeburn's legacy lives on in Stockbridge, now very much part of Edinburgh, to this day. Nearly two hundred years after Raeburn's death, the area remains home to many of the city's more creative residents.
Raeburn gave his name to Stockbridge's main thoroughfare - Raeburn Place. And his influence can be seen elsewhere; Stockbridge today is home to the Patriothall Gallery, which has won a name for producing exciting and innovative contemporary art. Wander along Raeburn Place, past the many old-fashioned shops that have somehow survived the drive to homogeneity elsewhere in UK high streets, and you will find the Henderson Art Shop, a cornucopia of art and craft equipment. Enjoy window-shopping at the handful of small art galleries dotted further along the street, or stop for a coffee at one of the many delis and coffee shops.
If you're in the mood for food shopping, there is a great local butcher, George Bower, and excellent independent fishmonger, George Armstrong, that sources cold water fish directly from the coasts of Scotland.
The annual Stockbridge Village Festival takes place on 5 September. It's held at the Edinburgh Academicals Rugby Ground, just off Raeburn Place, from 10.30am to 5pm. Attractions this year will include fair ground rides, face painting, balloon making, a bar, live music and stalls selling gifts, food and jewellry. Raeburn would have approved.
