Gothenburg and Muir, by Kate Hunter (2003)
Location: Gothenburg Steps, Prestoungrange
John Muir the founding father of world conservation who was born
in Dunbar and emigrated to the USA pauses for thoughts in front
of the "skyscraper tree" the tallest tree in the world, the coastal
redwood "Sequoias", and in the foreground the mountain skyline
of the famous Yosemite National Park in California.
The John Muir Walkway passes at the foot of the steps next to
the mural.
A top Sail Schooner is situated centrally, built in Scandinavia
a typical Baltic trading ship that imported and exported goods
to Prestonpans in the 18th century usually from Gothenburg (Goteborg)
in Sweden. Imports included " pig iron" previously formed in channels
of sand to form a "mould" which was then sent abroad as iron bars,
after arriving at Morison’s Haven they travelled again to be processed
further.
Timber planks another regular cargo along with flax and clover
seeds, clover used by Farmers as it was a quick growing crop known
as "catch crop" that fed the cattle after harvesting.
Ships returned to Gothenburg (Goteborg) carrying coal, salt and
soap from Prestonpans Town.
Displayed are details of tax records taken from 18th century custom
records on "impost" goods loaded and imported at Morison's Haven
in Prestonpans. Dated 9th February 1754 it records the import
of Swedish pig iron from John Vint of Goteborg to William Cadell.
The third theme of the mural The Gothenburg Pub created by a group
of investors who had registered their new Company in Edinburgh
in 1901. Eight initial investors formed a Temperance Movement
Team who believed that surplus profits should go back into the
local community for recreation. These funds managed by trustees
were then used to provide new leisure opportunities for the workingman,
thereby shifting his focus away from the drinking of alcohol.
The second portrait is of Thomas Nelson I who died 1861 aged 80.
He made his fortune in bookshops and publishing n Edinburgh and
was the grandfather of Thomas Nelson III the major initial investor
of the Gothenburgy. A leading figure behind the Scottish temperance
movement he served as Director until his death in 1917.
Fowler's Ale brewed locally until the 1960s was sold in The Goth.
Finally a representation is made of the fine stained glass found
in windows and doors around the Gothenburg, which are still features
today in the Jug Bar.
This mural will be unveiled on July 23rd 2003 by the Lord Mayor
of Goteborg, Sweden, on his visit to the town.
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