'Special' windows

All Saltaire's Advent windows are special, designed and crafted by the village's residents with so much creativity and care. There are, however, some particular ones to note this year.

Six of the windows at the Victoria Road end of Salts Mill have been decorated and lit, as part of the Advent Windows trail. It's a commissioned work - 'Look Up!' - by Bradford artist Ben Holden. They have been inspired, I think, by the 1930s leaded and stained glass window and door panels you still see in some of Saltaire's houses, which were added after the housing stock was sold off by Salts Ltd in 1929. (See last picture yesterday.) The new owner-occupiers sought to add their own individuality to the properties and followed the trends of the time. 

There's another special window sent to us from Sweden. It's the second year Saltaire has partnered with Rydal's Museum in Mark. 

“Season’s greetings from the staff at Rydal’s Museum and the participants in Living Advent Calendar in the municipality of Mark, Sweden. For the second time we have arranged our own Advent Calendar inspired by yours in Saltaire. We are very enthusiastic to be part of this event. The windows are uplifting and very appreciated during this dark winter time. We, the staff at the museum have mounted a window frame to invite visitors to take selfies in. In the picture you see the staff at the museum, taking our own selfie.”

We've also developed a partnership with The Stromness Community Development Trust in Orkney, who have created their own Living Advent Calendar for the first time this year, and we have exchanged windows with them. It's a growing movement!