What if statues could talk? What stories would they tell? Here before us stands Joe Public, perched atop his colourful scaffold. He’s more than just a statue. He’s a statement. This seven-meter-tall figure, officially titled “Everyman,” was created by German artist Stephan Balkenhol in 2007. He was commissioned by the Edinburgh City Council for their new headquarters at Waverley Court. The council envisioned Joe as a symbol of, well, everyone. A representation of the “spirit of mankind” and a reflection of their “Edinburgh – Inspiring Capital” logo. He’s become a quirky landmark, visible from Waverley Station and North Bridge. Joe Public, however, has had a mixed reception. Some praise his simple, relatable style. Others criticize him as “dreadful,” a “big dummy,” even comparing him to the statues of totalitarian regimes. One council member even remarked he looked like a “window cleaner who has lost his ladder.” The cost, a hefty £100,000, also raised eyebrows. Regardless of public opinion, Joe Public remains. He stands as a testament to the complexities of public art. He’s a conversation starter, a symbol of everyman, and a unique addition to Edinburgh’s cityscape.
Duke Street United Reformed Church
Hidden within the bustling streets of Leith, Duke Street United Reformed Church has witnessed over 150 years of Edinburgh’s history.