Hi, I'm Mike De Greasley....
Now I'm not an Historian or an Archaeologist, but I do tend to carry out a lot of historical
research as a Graphic Artist, 3D GCI Developer and Documentary Video Maker.
During the course of 2014, I'm gathering material for a project I'm working on -- to produce
an Independent video production entitled: The Salt Revolution......
And it arrived
The Saltaire World Heritage Weekender 2014.....
Are you going to join me?
Salts Mill and the workers village of Saltaire was built by Sir Titus salt between 1853 and
1876.
In the later days of 2001, Saltaire won the accolade of becoming a World Heritage Site.
Today, it's a living, working and industrious village based community.
And an event such as this requires the commitment, dedication and generosity of volunteers from
the local and surrounding communities.
Ahhhhh.... Here we are....
The United Reformed Church -- built by Titus in 1859
Now you have to admit -- this is a cracking piece of Italianate Architecture.
It's also where you find the Salt Family Mausoleum -- looked over by a really fine example of
a pre-Raphaelite marble Angel - which I'm pleased to say has just undergone a considerable
amount of restoration.... And doesn't she looks good for it.
The church has an active and varied congregation -- and whilst I may not be a god fearing man,
I do confess to feeling a slight tinge of envy towards those who find solace and comfort
in such surroundings.
Titus's presence is evident both at the point of entering and exiting the church, and as
its benefactor I believe is place rightly earned.
For those of you who haven't yet visited Saltaire - Let's use this 3D CGI model to get our bearings.
I have to say, this model -- still in development - depicts the village during the early 1900s,
and some of the buildings were demolished some time ago....
We're already familiar with the United Reformed Church.
So starting at the bottom -- we can see the River Aire -- Old Boathouse and New Mill
The old Bridge which crossed the River Aire at the bottom of Victoria Road, was one of
the structures that didn't survive the 1960s
Today, you cross the river on this steel footbridge. Next we have the Leeds & Liverpool canal -- built
in 1774, - a good 80 years before Saltaire.
Often over-looked are the old stables and
cottages -- The stables had been converted into private living accommodation and not
accessible by the public. Here we have the Tourist Information Centre
which occupies Titus's old offices.
Salt's workers had their own purpose built
canteen and they would have entered the building not through this door but through another
entrance -- which I'll let you discover when you visit.
Directly opposite is the Iconic and in its day -- highly celebrated Salts Mill
Today its home to the 1853 Gallery.
Opened in 1856, Saltaire's train station was
then closed in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts... It re-opened in 1984, but the original
station building and iron footbridge sadly didn't survive.
The old Sunday School is another building which hasn't survived to the present day -- Instead
making way for a car-park and public conveniences.
Built as a memorial to Titus in 1886, the
mill workers recreational centre and gymnasium is better known today as Shipley College...
And yes... It was built in a hole.
Titus also built Almshouses for his retired
mill workers. He even built a hospital which in 1923 underwent some major renovations and
gained a level in the process. Another building long since gone is the Wesleyan
Another building long since gone is the Wesleyan
Chapel fronting Saltaire Road -- Built between 1866 and 1868 by public conscription -- the
land had been donated by Titus Salt.
And finally -- at least for the moment -- there's
the old School house and the Mechanics Institute -- AKA Salt Building -- also part of the Shipley
College and Victoria Hall -- and these two building are watched over by Saltaires very
own pride of lions -- War, Peace, Vigilance & Determination.
I have to say, the first day of the event started out a little bit wet and miserable
-- and as organisers made ready, I took the opportunity to grab a few retro style photographs
of the mill and village.
Now don't quote me on this -- but I heard that -- Organiser Robert Martin had pre-booked
fine and sunny weather to arrive at about 11 am.
And for local businesswoman Angela Warmsley -- that's good news -- as she's keen to inform
visitors to her stand about the Totally Locally initiative.
With little or no gardens attached to the mill workers houses -- Titus made the provision
of allotments for his workers to grow their own fruit and veg... Today however, not everyone
in the village has access to an allotment -- and a Taste of Saltaire is another local
initiative to establish areas in and around the village where residents can come together
and grow their own food in a sustainable way.
Hmmmmmm... I think it's going to turn out just fine.... Well I'm going to pop down to
the canal.
Now I've always seen the Leeds & Liverpool
canal as one of this regions strongest assets -- and I've never understood why there isn't
regular barge trips for visitors to enjoy -- well that maybe about to change.
But for now... I'm just going to enjoy the moment and ambience.
As the weather begins to clear, a cloud lingers over Robert's head.... He's just received
news that one of the event's main attractions may not be arriving.
Alpaca are not only popular visitor attraction, they're what made Titus Salts fortune -- in
fact -- Saltaires very foundations are built upon the wool of the alpaca.
An alpaca no-show may affect Artist Lou Sumray's free workshop where children can have fun
decorating cardboard cut-outs of alpacas. It would also mean -- local first aiders Carol
& Janet had more time to discuss bikini lines, bailing wire and local cuisine.
Oooooo... I am so dead! I believe that having one eye on the past
and another on the present -- you develop a wiser inner eye to help you determine the
future. Over the years, members of the Saltaire Historical
Society have amassed an impressive and comprehensive historical archive -- and it's during such
events that they proudly display some of what has been accumulated... It's a local treasure
trove -- it's where the eyes of the past briefly engage with the eyes of the present. And where
those who's journey through life are now able to place names with faces and to recant and
share those days, events and memories of long ago.
I'm off across the River Aire to Robert's Park to catch up with one of the stars of
the weekend.
Boat-horse Bilbo Baggins and Sue Day who together
in 2012 took the 128 mile journey pulling a barge along the Leeds & Liverpool canal
-- something which hadn't been done in nearly 70 years.
Initially here to give a brief harnessing demonstration and then have Bilbo pull a barge
along a short stretch of the Leeds & Liverpool. But a large fire in Armley Leeds a few days
earlier had severely polluted the canal -- and Sue's barge was unable to make the journey
to Saltaire. But I'll tell you this -- After picking Dandelions,
seeing Bilbo and listening to Sue -- You didn't need a barge.
Amid the sounds of leather on willow and calls of 'AWS ZAT'.... I can distinctly here something
more choral in the air.
Well that was the Bradford Voices rehearsing for their show hear at the Shipley Glen Tramways
later this afternoon.
Some of my earliest - happiest memories are
of here... And in a few months' time, I'm going to be spending a couple of days working
alongside and filming the volunteers of this 119 year old national treasure.
But for now, let's enjoy a little bit more home grown street entertainment.
Well if your feet weren't tapping to that -- have someone check your pulse.
I made my way back up Victoria Road and popped into the craft fair in Victoria hall for a
cup of tea and slice of cake -- before Aunt Sally scoffs the lot.
The crafts fair is a monthly event - organised by Phil Wilkinson -- and very popular it is too
.I'd no sooner got my feet under 't table when
someone came over and whispered in my ear. ALPACA.
Well there was no sign of a sudden stampeed so I quietly made my way down to the URC.
Here's Carol and Janet -- looking happy.
And that looks promising.
And that's Maria who's an expert at cleaning brass knobs and knockers.
Mission Accomplished... The Alpaca have arrived.
Okay.... Who just went..... Awwwwww ?
And that's about is -- I've got some great footage for my main production and this event has
set me up nicely for the Saltaire Festival in September -- Well I hope you enjoyed...
I'll catch you later.