Victoria Baths.

Victoria Baths.

The ornate Edwardian buildings which are the Victoria Baths in Hathersage Rd, Victoria Park, are a historical and architectural jewel in Manchester’s treasury of great buildings. Despite this, the baths have seen better days, they have been closed for a decade and are now in an advanced state of disrepair.The baths were described when opened in 1906 as a “water palace of which every citizen of Manchester is proud”.

Externally it is comprised of red brick and terracotta with ornate mouldings; inside it makes extensive use of stained glass, deep green Art Nouveau tiles, wrought iron ballustrades and expansive decorative mosaic floors. Despite a few later modifications, the building is still essential in its original condition.

The Baths actually have three swimming pools, (‘First Class Males’, ‘Second Class Males’, and ‘Females’) at a time when the concept of first and second class citizens was perfectly acceptable. The First Class Males Pool (also known as ‘The Gala Pool’), is the most elaborate with its high glazed vaulted ceiling. A balcony runs around the pool and there is extensive use of stained glass. Iron and wood cubicles line the length of either side. The Victoria Baths also had its own laundry block used to wash the towels used by swimmers and Turkish bath customers. Later the laundry was used by local people as a public washhouse. At a time when ordinary people lived in very poor conditions, the baths must have seemed like the ultimate luxury, but their most important function was as a vehicle to promote better health and hygiene amongst the working poor.

In 1993, the Victoria Baths Trust was formed to investigate the possibility saving the building and running the Baths independantly. It is estimated that at least £15 million will be required to restore the buildings to there original condition. An application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore the Baths was rejected, but the Trust is continuing to pursue a viable plan for the restoration of the building in partnership with Manchester City Council and English Heritage. Restoration has already begun on the outside of the building. http://www.manchester2002-uk.com/buildings/victoria-baths.html

I visited the Baths on Sunday gone to view an art exhibition in the building by second year BA Honours art students, hence the girl sat in the pool with work displayed around the sides. The work was displayed in the pool, around the balcony, in the boiler room and in the cellar corridors. It was a surreal experience viewing artwork in dark spooky places. Many artists have used Victoria Baths as reference matter or as inspiration.

Victoria Baths. belongs to the following groups:

Former DPF Members, North West UK, Ruins, Ancient and Derelict Buildings and United Kingdom