Advocate's Close, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Mixed media and pastels on archival paper, high-quality print.
 
Dating back to the 15th century, Advocate's Close was at one time one of Edinburgh's most fashionable addresses. The name derives from the house of Sir James Stewart who was Lord Advocate of Scotland.
 
By the 19th century the Edinburgh gentry had abandoned the Old Town and moved to the New Town or suburbs. Streets such as Advocates Close passed to the lower classes and were split into tenements. In this form, given the huge density and dark, narrow streets, the area quickly became a slum. A major part of this stemmed from the lack of sewerage, with waste being thrown out of the window to run down the steep slope.
 
*Please note these are prints; for originals, please contact us at sho@birdsnestbrand.co.uk.