Workers in the spinning sheds in Salts West Mill enjoyed far-reaching views, across the zig-zag of the roof of the combing shed, across the administrative block, with its little decorative arch (where I think the mill's bell once hung) and then through the trees (which I suppose were smaller and younger in the 19th century) that surround the church with its domed tower.
Twisting slightly to look north, the view is dominated by the ornate chimney of the New Mill, modelled on the campanile of the church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari in Venice. Hope Hill and Baildon Moor rise behind. The New Mill is actually on the far side of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal, which threads between the two mill buildings. The stone building in the middle ground was mainly warehousing, situated on the canalside so that goods could be taken on and off canal boats.
Nowadays, we have the great pleasure of being able to view paintings by David Hockney (see HERE) inside the spinning shed on this level, and then these beautiful views outside.
I never thought how trees in views must have been shorter many years ago. A good perspective.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the workers had time to enjoy the views?
ReplyDelete