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Closeup of Adam Black statue with a daytime sky behind him

Adam Black


A tribute to Edinburgh's publishing history, this memorial celebrates the life of Adam Black (1784-1874), a man who worked his way up from humble roots to become Edinburgh's top publisher and community leader.


After studying at the University of Edinburgh, Black set up the famous publishing house A & C Black, turning it into one of Scotland's leading booksellers. Black's smart business moves landed him some impressive acquisitions, including Sir Walter Scott's much-loved Waverley Novels.


As a committed Liberal reformer, Black served twice as Lord Provost between 1843 and 1848 before going on to represent Edinburgh as MP from 1856 to 1865, perfectly capturing Victorian Edinburgh's entrepreneurial spirit. His statue by John Hutchinson depicts Black in his Provost’s robes.