Scotsman Steps: The Artistic Transformation of an Edinburgh Landmark
For decades, the Scotsman Steps in Edinburgh served as a functional but neglected passage. By the early 21st century, the site had fallen into significant disrepair, frequently plagued by vandalism and antisocial behavior. However, a visionary collaboration between the arts and city planning transformed this derelict space into a global artistic statement.
The Vision of Martin Creed
To shift the public perception of the steps, the Fruitmarket Gallery commissioned Turner Prize-winning artist Martin Creed to create a new public installation. This project, titled Work No. 1059, was integrated into Creed's solo exhibition, Down Over Up, which debuted at the gallery in the summer of 2010.
The installation reimagined the staircase as a physical map of the planet. Creed clad each of the 104 steps in a different variety of marble, ensuring that all major marble quarries from around the world were represented. By doing so, he turned a simple climb into a symbolic journey.
A Global Microcosm
Creed described the finished work as a "microcosm of the whole world," suggesting that the act of stepping on the diverse marble surfaces is akin to walking through the world itself. While the artist's original ambition was to create a "musical staircase," he eventually implemented that specific concept on a smaller scale within the Down Over Up exhibition rather than on the steps themselves.
Funding and Legacy
The ambitious redesign was made possible through a £250,000 grant. This funding was provided jointly by the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage, reflecting a commitment to preserving the city's aesthetic and cultural value.
This project solidified marble flooring as a recurring motif in Martin Creed's broader body of work. Following the Scotsman Steps, he utilized similar concepts in Work No. 1347 (2012) at the sketch restaurant in London and Work No. 1051 (2013) at the Museo Jumex in Mexico City.
Key Facts
- Artist: Martin Creed (Turner Prize winner).
- Installation Title: Work No. 1059.
- Scale: 104 steps, each featuring a different type of marble.
- Funding: £250,000 grant from City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage.
- Concept: A global microcosm representing the world's major marble quarries.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location | Scotsman Steps, Edinburgh |
| Completion Date | Summer 2010 |
| Number of Materials | 104 different marbles |
| Associated Exhibition | Down Over Up |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the 104 marble steps?
Each of the 104 steps is clad in a different type of marble sourced from all the major marble quarries in the world, creating a symbolic representation of the globe.
Who funded the renovation of the Scotsman Steps?
The project was funded by a £250,000 grant provided by the City of Edinburgh Council and Edinburgh World Heritage.
Was the staircase designed to make music?
Although Martin Creed's original idea was to create a "musical staircase," this specific feature was instead implemented on a smaller scale within the Down Over Up exhibition.
Where else has Martin Creed used marble in his art?
Creed has used marble floors in other notable works, including Work No. 1347 at the sketch restaurant in London (2012) and Work No. 1051 at the Museo Jumex in Mexico City (2013).
Why was the installation commissioned?
The Fruitmarket Gallery commissioned the work to improve the public perception of the steps, which had previously suffered from disrepair, vandalism, and antisocial behavior.