‘Children’s Games and Amusements’
In 1934, John Maxwell, one of the most significant Scottish painters of the 20th century, was commissioned to paint a mural inside the newly constructed Craigmillar Primary School.
The mural was also hugely significant, acting as the heart of the school for generations of students; so much so that even Maxwell described it as one of the most successful works of his entire career.
Despite the school closing its doors in 1999 and its surrounding houses demolished, the building was subsequently saved and B-listed by a campaign led by the local community.
'My favourite teacher of all time, Miss Grant, said something about this painting I'll never forget. We were in the hall, and, pointing to the walls which were not part of the mural, she said: "You can be taught to paint these walls".
She then pointed to the mural and said: 'But you have to be born to paint that wall."
That's always stayed with me. What a quote!'
- Andy Longmuir
Today it is known as Art Space and Maxwell’s mural is the backdrop to the innovative work of young people’s theatre organisation, Lyra.
