Going to the Beach Sculpture

Amidst the urban landscape of Edinburgh’s Waterfront, stands the Going to the Beach sculpture. A heartwarming depiction of a family’s seaside excursion, it captures a timeless moment of joy and anticipation. The Going to the Beach sculpture, crafted between 2003 and 2004 by Vincent F Butler, is made of basalt and granite. It stands as a testament to the simple pleasures of life. The sculpture depicts a family – mother, father, a young boy, and their dog – on their way to the beach. The mother carries a baby and a satchel. The father carries his shoes and cap. The boy carries a model yacht. The dog playfully nudges a football. This bronze family group isn’t just a static display. It’s a snapshot of a 1950s-esque family, full of life and movement, their slender figures reaching beyond life-size. Each family member stands on a separate base, integrated into the paving of Saltire Square. This square, where the Going to the Beach sculpture resides, was built in 2004, part of Edinburgh’s Waterfront redevelopment. Interestingly, the road and square were constructed before the surrounding buildings. In 2005, construction began on buildings north of the square, in an area named Upper Strand. The Going to the Beach sculpture, with its inscription, “Going to the Beach / Vincent F Butler R.S.A., R.G.I., Sculptor / Cast by Powderhall Bronze”, adds a touch of nostalgic charm to this modern urban space. The sculpture’s location, initially intended as a tree-lined avenue to the beach, unfortunately ended up near some locked gates. This ironic twist adds a layer of complexity to the artwork’s narrative. The Going to the Beach sculpture, despite this twist, remains a beloved landmark. A reminder of the seaside joy that awaits beyond the city’s bounds.