I love most of the architecture in Saltaire - the arched windows and Italianate detailing of the mill, public buildings and the housing stock. The almshouses, at the top of the village, were among the last to be constructed, opened in 1868. As with the rest of the village, they were designed by architects Lockwood and Mawson. By this time, public taste had veered towards the Victorian Gothic style. The almshouses and hospital, whilst still having an Italianate influence, show significant movement towards the Gothic, with pointed arches and chunky rock-faced stonework. Personally, I find this all a bit much! It is amazing how much fanciness the Victorians lavished on ordinary buildings. Here we have not only the stonework, arches and detailing but also a bell tower inscribed with the date (Opened September 1868) and the carved and intertwined initials of the founders, Sir Titus Salt and his wife Caroline, set among much fussy carving - the Salt family motto: Quid Non Deo Juvante - What not (is not possible) by the help of God - and an alpaca, above palm and oak leaves.
Couldn't find the alpaca...oh well. I like the Victorian Gothic style in wood...all kinds of fun details that need painting every other year or so. And they come out with great color combinations. I guess it doesn't work as well in stone.
ReplyDeleteWhew! As you say, a bit much. Still it's interesting--and what a great set for a horror movie!
ReplyDeleteThe building does have a bit of Gothic scary going on.
ReplyDeleteNice photo
That roof edifice of stone must be very heavy. Presumably the support column must pass vertically straight through the building, which takes up much valuable space.
ReplyDeleteTake away the belltower and it is wonderful to me!
ReplyDeleteOne expects a resident ghost or two inside.
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