Paisley, a town steeped in history and rich with unique characters, has given birth to many local legends. Among the most memorable is James Purdie, better known to the townsfolk as Ta Ta Bella. This kenspeckle figure roamed the streets of Paisley from the late 19th century until the mid-20th century, etching his way into the town’s collective memory through his distinctive appearance, quirky habits, and the lasting impact he had on those who crossed his path.
The Life of James Purdie: Aka Ta Ta Bella
Born in 1874, James Purdie, or Ta Ta Bella as he was affectionately known, was a familiar sight in Paisley. He made his living as a midden raker, sifting through the refuse in the backcourt middens of the town’s tenements. The local sanitary inspector labelled midden rakers like Ta Ta Bella as “Midden Mavis,” a term that reflected their often disheveled and grimy occupation. Despite the less-than-glamorous nature of his work, Ta Ta Bella became a beloved figure in Paisley.
A Distinctive Figure
Ta Ta Bella was instantly recognisable. His grey, melancholy face, framed by a scraggly beard, was topped with an old, soft hat that drooped over his ears. He was often seen wearing not one, but two overcoats, under which he layered an old jacket and a collarless shirt. His pockets bulged with items he had scavenged, giving him a bulky, almost hunched appearance. Over his shoulder, he always carried a hessian sack, and he was rarely without his two tattered umbrellas, which he kept close at hand.
As he made his rounds through the town’s backcourts, Ta Ta Bella would announce his arrival with a small performance. He had attached two boot polish tin lids to his shoes, creating a rudimentary tap dance routine that resonated through the courtyards, much to the delight of the local children. They would often call out after him, chanting, “Ta Ta Bella yer bums aw yella,” a playful taunt that only added to his legendary status.
A Well-Loved Character
Despite his unconventional lifestyle, Ta Ta Bella was well-regarded by the local shopkeepers and townsfolk. He was known to be an honest man, always paying off his small debts, even if it took time. Many shopkeepers would set aside fruit cake ends, broken biscuits, and even Woodbine cigarettes for him, which he would collect as he made his rounds. Though his life was far from easy, Ta Ta Bella maintained a certain dignity, and his interactions with the community were marked by warmth and familiarity.
The Enduring Legacy of Ta Ta Bella
Ta Ta Bella continued his midden raking until the early 1950s, his last known performance occurring in a backcourt on Well Street in 1953. Even years after his passing in 1945, the memory of Ta Ta Bella lingers in the hearts of those who remember him. He was more than just a character; he was a symbol of Paisley’s unique spirit, a town where even the most humble of figures could become a legend.
To this day, older generations recall being scolded by their mothers with the warning, “Yer no gawn oot like that, yer like Ta Ta Bella,” a testament to his lasting influence on the town’s cultural memory. Ta Ta Bella’s story is a vivid reminder of the rich tapestry of life in Paisley, where every character, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, plays a part in the town’s history.
In remembering Ta Ta Bella, we celebrate the quirks, the resilience, and the humanity that define Paisley’s past, ensuring that his legacy as one of the town’s most iconic figures lives on.
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