Artist Transforms Historic Edinburgh Helter Skelter Slide into Art Pieces
An artist from Edinburgh is embarking on a project to revive a historic helter skelter slide in Leith that first opened in the 1970s. The slide, located in Montgomery Street Park, was a beloved attraction for children over the decades but was eventually deemed unsafe and closed down after succumbing to wear and tear.
Paul Meikle, a 31-year-old artist who also works part-time in a car garage, has taken on the task of dismantling the iconic slide and repurposing it into new art pieces. Recognizing the sentimental value the slide holds for the community, Paul aims to preserve its memories by incorporating them into an upcoming exhibition.
The project has been described as ‘daunting’ by Paul, who has engaged with locals to gather their childhood memories of the park and the slide. The artist shared anecdotes from residents, including one individual who recalled sliding down the helter skelter in roller skates and another who discovered the slide was covered in seagull droppings midway through the ride.
With plans to complete the transformation by springtime next year, Paul intends to store the disassembled slide in his workplace garage for further artistic endeavors. By documenting the journey of the helter skelter on social media, Paul hopes to keep the community engaged and connected to this iconic Leith landmark.
The once-cherished helter skelter, now undergoing a creative metamorphosis, serves as a testament to the power of art in preserving cherished memories and reviving historical landmarks for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.
In summary, Paul Meikle’s innovative endeavor to transform the iconic helter skelter slide in Leith into art pieces not only showcases his creative talent but also highlights the importance of preserving historical landmarks in a modern, engaging way. By involving the community in sharing their nostalgic memories, Paul’s project bridges the past with the present, creating a unique artistic experience that resonates with locals and visitors alike.