New Edinburgh street named after prominent Leith glass engraver Alison Geissler

A recently developed Edinburgh street has been named in honour of a Leith glass engraver whose work can be found in the Queen’s collection.

Newly named Geissler Drive at the Waterfront Plaza development, with Martin Geissler and his parents Paul and Betty Geissler

The new street near the Shore, named Geissler Drive, is named after Alison Geissler who grew up in the area and was awarded an MBE for her services to glass engraving in 1991, and the Chairman’s Medal of the Edinburgh College of Art, at the age of 101.

She studied at the Edinburgh College of Art from 1925 until 1930, and continued her glass engraving career until the age of 94 – pieces of her work can be found in the majority of British public collections and in the collection of the Queen. Almost all of her work was done by traditional copper wheel engraving.

One of her most notable pieces of work, a set of engraved goblets representing ten of the Queen’s Beasts, was presented to the Queen for her coronation in 1953.

After marrying watercolour painter William Geissler in 1931, she had three children, Paul, Erik and Catherine, and four grandchildren.

Her son, Dr Paul Geissler visited Geissler Drive after its naming.

He said: “My mother would have loved the idea of a street being named after her, although she might have found it a little odd! She had a great sense of fun, and a keen interest in Leith and its people. She was fascinated by the way places change, so it seems appropriate that, in a way, she’s become part of Leith’s evolution.”

Alison’s grandson, Martin Geissler, presenter with BBC Scotland and former ITV Africa Correspondent, said: “My gran lived until 103 and was a proud Leither all of her life. I have so many happy childhood memories of her and her house on Dudley Avenue.

“She passed away almost a decade ago and we all still miss her, but having a street named after her is an extraordinary honour, and in a way, it helps her live on.”

The street is located at Waterfront Plaza, a development by CALA Homes (East) which was awarded one of the Scottish Home Awards’ most highly contested categories, ‘Innovation in Design’ for its modern take on historic Edinburgh colonies.

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “Leith is a location that has inspired for generations and people like Alison are fundamental to its character and story.

“We’re thrilled to have her name adorn one of the most prominent streets at our new development here on the waterfront.”

Diane Broughton, Street Naming Officer at Edinburgh City Council, said: "New streets are generally named after people, places or events associated with Edinburgh to preserve history and our sense of place.

“Recently we have tried to prioritise using names of women where possible - Geissler Drive is one of many streets named after famous Scottish women and suffragettes.

"When Geissler Drive was suggested to us we thought it was a great idea, and we're delighted that the Geissler family was happy for us to go ahead with the naming."

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