There are several blue or black plaques to famous men in Portobello – from Hugh Miller to William Russell Flint to Harry Lauder. However, there’s only one to a woman – Helen Hopekirk, a talented musician who was born here, emigrated to America and was celebrated in her day as a composer and concert pianist. But surely she was not alone. Last month during the Book Festival, a tour was organised of the places where famous women of our community once lived. The organisers wanted to tell the Herstory of Portobello.
If you want to listen to the lecture and songs click here: https://www.loc.gov/item/2021689569/
Presenter: James Wintle
Singer: Jennifer Wintle
Pianist: Joy Schreier
Picture of Helen Hopekirk