The YouTube video about Saltaire and the recent renovation of Roberts Park has some interesting photos of the park, both in its Victorian splendour (it was opened in 1871) and later, when much of it was becoming run-down and vandalised. There is at least one shot of one of these wind shelters in a very poor state. Part of the restoration work undertaken this year has involved cleaning up and reroofing the shelters, including restoring the very pretty ridge (which you can see in close-up in this picture).
There are three or four shelters around the park - including one at either end of the promenade terrace. You can see how the decorative woodwork (which had been destroyed) has been recreated and painted as it would originally have been. I think they've done a great job.
The shelters once again provide a lovely place to rest - and, when necessary, to shelter from the wind and rain (and occasional sun!) that are so much a part of the British weather. I've noticed in the evenings they tend to attract groups of young lads - but I hope very much they remain unvandalised, after so much effort and money has gone in to improving them. I try very hard to remember that 'group of young lads' is not necessarily the same thing as 'group of young vandals' and I'd like them to prove it!
What a beautiful restoration..if they'd got those young lads working on it learning something they'd have some skills and just be young lads admiring and owning their handiwork.
ReplyDeleteMy eyes are immediately attracted by the wonderful benches!!It's strange that they don't close the park during the night..Great work made here!
ReplyDeleteHere, here to the comments in the final paragraph and let us hope that they do live up to the expectations we both have of them.
ReplyDeleteNever heard. Very beautiful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Victorian shelter! Glad they are being restored.
ReplyDeleteI like the intricate painting and colors used.
ReplyDeleteThe wooden benches look like a wonderful place to sit and relax! And I love the dash of blue :D
ReplyDeleteIt's very pretty and they did a wonderful job! I hope it stays that way too. Unfortunately some people cannot resist ruining a good thing!
ReplyDeleteVon, that's so true. And Malyss, I think the only reason they don't close the park at night is that the footbridge provides a necessary link between Saltaire (station etc) and the housing estate on the far side beyond the park. Without it, you'd have to walk miles round by the nearest road bridge.
ReplyDeleteThis is so beautiful ! I really enjoyed it !!Great post !!
ReplyDeleteSo charming! I hope it can remain that way.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, I hope it can stay beautiful.
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