Steven Rob
Steven Robb is Depute Head of Casework for Historic Environment Scotland, and previously was a Senior Inspector of Historic Buildings In London with English Heritage. He is particularly interested in inter-war social housing in Edinburgh and the work of the City Architect’s Department. His great uncle worked for the City Architect and was involved in designing the Union Street public washhouse. This led to a desire to find out more about the building type and the social history behind the washhouses, especially relevant as only two now remain.
Steven Robb The Public Wash Houses of Edinburgh
My granny Alice B Tippett worked in the cash desk of the wash house in a close off the High Street,down from the Tron.
We used to go and “help” in the office after school. I loved the heat and the smell of bleach. It always smelled so fresh.
I think she retired in 1955 or thereabouts.
Wash houses were very busy, necessary places then. No washing machines in houses.
Alison C