Photographic Studio

34 Bath Street

34 Bath Street

Thank you to Susan Gallen, Craigentinny, Edinburgh for sending me the photograph above of Bath Street, Portobello and for outlining No 34 in red.

There were several partnerships of photographers in Portobello in the late 19th century.  No 34 Bath Street was the address of the photographic studio used by some of them:

Question

The photograph above was taken in the early 21st century, as can be seen from the traffic calming 'hump' in the centre of the street.

Susan wrote:

34 Bath Street

"I am doing a little research into No 34 Bath Street.  I have outlined the building in red.

I would love to find out the history of this house as I have had many 'dreams' of some sort, about this place. I can vividly picture in my mind's eye, a small girl pressing her face through iron bars on the gate to this property, with a small pony or donkey and cart, waiting at the front door. I believe this is in the Victorian times and that the small girl was me.

This 'dream', has been a massive part of my life..... The first time I 'dreamt' of this place was when I was six years old.....  I am now nearly thirty two! I cannot actually bring myself to walk on the same side of the road as this property, I have to cross over, as I get shivers down my spine. I always have done since a young age!

Do you know where I could find out the history of this property, or if there is an old photograph of the front of this building, or any original plans for this house?"

If you'd like to respond to Susan's message, please e-mail me and I will forward your message to her.    -  Peter Stubbs

Reply

Thank you to Katherine Fraser Bailey who sent the following reply to Susan Gallen's question:

"I don't know anything about the shop/building at 34 Bath Street, but my great aunt Catherine (Kate) Fraser Carbray had a place called the Comfort Tea Rooms at 56 Bath Street around 1900.

She appeared in the 1901 census as a Hotel Keeper so I suspect it may have been the corner building of the very block in your submitted photo.

Her sister Christina Fraser owned a tobacconist shop, and their uncle owned a leather shop in the same area.  I am trying to find something on all the businesses.

If you have managed to find anything out or have come by another view of the this block I would love to hear about it.  Meanwhile if I find anything in my digging, I'll forward it on to you."

Katherine Fraser Bailey, March 11, 2008