Ian Dogherty |
How I got Involved with Victoria Baths
Our introduction to Victoria Baths was in March. We'd seen an advert in Area News for the March Heritage Open Days, and realising that the building was almost literally on our doorstep decided to go and have a look. We were completely unprepared for what came into view as we rounded the corner on Hathersage Road. Victoria Baths, elegant, dripping with ornate stone work, standing proud against the march of time all around it; the 1970s Slum Clearance of Plymouth Grove, the enormous Norweb building next door. The red brick and brown stone that is so 'Manchester' being the first of many 'Wow' Moments that day, and since. 
Save Victoria Baths |
Victoria Baths was built between 1903 and 1906, at huge cost. There are three entrances, Males First Class, Males Second Class, and Females. The Males First Class entrance is the only one currently in use, and is therefore the way in for open days. After entering through the original wood and iron Rush Preventers (turnstiles), you move into the First Class Entrance. To describe it as being tiled would be like describing The Vatican as a Church. The floor is a mosaic. The walls are Art Nouveau Pilkington glazed tiles. All the way up. The staircase is clad in ornate green tiling. The kind of space that you can't help but stopping and staring at. That I still stop and stare at every time I see it. 
The Angel of Purity |
But the real gem of Victoria Baths is the glass. Every window contains elaborate, beautiful, and unique stained glass. Earth, Water, Sportsmen, all of them mini masterpieces in their own right. The Jewel in the glass crown however, is the Angel of Purity. Watching over the Turkish Rest Room in purples and blues like some kind of guardian, when the sun shines the room comes alive. You can smell the leather and wood, the gently perspiring patrons, maybe a whiff of expensive cigar as you stand there. This was just the beginning of our involvement in the Victoria Baths, and now we are actively involved in trying to restore this building to something of its former glory. Twice a month we meet with the Friends and the Trust to discuss what is happening with the Baths, and what else can be done to secure the funding we need. All of it revolves around the first Sunday of each month when the Baths are open for public view.
From Richard J Ernill in Timperley
There must be a place for the baths in the re-vamped city with so many of the older buildings being restored recently. However, we want it available for use by the public and not converted to a 'block of flats'.
From Ken Latham in Macclesfield
Well worth restoration, it will help to improve the local area. I used to go there in the 1950's for swimming lessons with my school'.
From Louise MacBryde
I hope this project gets completed. I think Victorian Architecture is absolutely fascinating, and no more than a Public Baths, so reminiscent of that period. Macclesfield had a lovely old Baths based in Davenport Street, which although maybe not as grand as Victoria Baths, was also reminiscent of an earlier period in our history. I'm not sure if Macclesfield Baths were Victorian, but they were certainly early 20th Century and I thought it was disgraceful when they were demolished. |  |
