Dr Helen Crummy Statue

What if access to a violin could ignite a cultural revolution? Here at the Dr Helen Crummy Statue, we uncover just such a story. The statue itself, crafted by Tim Chalk, depicts Dr Crummy handing a violin bow to a young boy. It’s a poignant representation of the spark that ignited the Craigmillar Festival Society. Dr Helen Crummy MBE, born Helen Murray Prentice in Leith in 1920, became a driving force in her community of Craigmillar, Edinburgh. In 1962, a simple request for violin lessons for her son, Philip, was met with resistance. The local headmaster claimed the school barely had time to teach the basics. This sparked a fire in Dr Crummy. She, along with other local mothers, resolved to showcase their children’s talents. This determination birthed the Craigmillar Festival Society. The festival gained international recognition, a testament to Dr Crummy’s vision and the community’s spirit. The statue, unveiled in 2014, stands as a tribute to her unwavering dedication. Located outside the East Neighbourhood Centre on Niddrie Mains Road, it’s a celebration of art, community, and the transformative power of a single question. The Dr Helen Crummy Statue isn’t just bronze and stone. It’s a symbol of empowerment, a reminder that even a seemingly small request can lead to extraordinary change. Dr Crummy’s legacy, immortalized in this statue, continues to inspire. Her book, “Let the People Sing,” tells the vibrant story of the Craigmillar Festival Society, a story that began with a mother’s desire for her son to learn the violin.