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Tuesday, 27 September 2011

Saltaire Visitor Information Centre


After years of campaigning and many false starts, I am pleased to say that Saltaire now has a 'proper' Visitor Information Centre to assist the thousands of visitors that come to explore the World Heritage Site.  It is magnificently housed in the part of Salts Mill that used to be Sir Titus Salt's private quarters (though he actually lived in Crow Nest near Halifax).  I understand at one time this room was a dining room and it later became the company's boardroom.  It still has a grand fireplace and the furniture has been brought out of storage from Bradford's City Hall.

The Information Centre is well worth a visit, with books and maps not only about Saltaire but about Yorkshire as a whole and various souvenirs for sale.  (The whole room smells deliciously of wool fat soap which is on sale.)  You can also book tickets for Bradford's theatres.  In the Centre and its entrance hall there are photos and displays about the history of Saltaire.  The aerial photo above the fireplace (one of the C H Wood archive) is especially absorbing.  They could do with a better selection of postcards though.  I'm thinking of asking for a commission!
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11 comments:

  1. Malyss27 September 2011 at 07:11

    This is the most inviting and cosyest information center I've ever seen!

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  2. Alan Burnett27 September 2011 at 11:10

    Personally, I think they should have put the visitors centre at Crows Nest in Brighouse, Visitors could then have jumped on a waiting coach and four and galloped over the hills to Saltaire, just like Titus did.

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  3. Wayfarin' Stranger27 September 2011 at 12:25

    I think you should ask for a commission. Sell your postcards and note cards on consignment. I'm sure they would find no better photographer for them. Jim

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  4. Michael and Hanne27 September 2011 at 18:50

    Yes, go ahead Jenny!
    Such a fine cultured information centre!
    That is a very good interior shot.

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  5. Virginia27 September 2011 at 20:38

    What a beautiful place to welcome visitors. I'd like to have a look around at the souvenirs. I might need something!
    V

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  6. Chrissy Brand27 September 2011 at 21:50

    It looks very grand yet homely and so nice to see such a unique visitor centre - So many are the ultra modern sort or look rather tired...

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  7. Lili27 September 2011 at 23:27

    Yes! They would do well to have your photographs of Saltaire for sale in there. I say don't just stop at postcards, some framed prints would be fabulous. Also, I thought I saw some food over on that table and I got a little hungry for a minute. ~Lili

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  8. T. Becque28 September 2011 at 01:27

    I wish our information centers would look so cozy!

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  9. Jack28 September 2011 at 02:18

    You would be a great postcard photographer for Saltaire. Where do we sign the petition?

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  10. Vicki Lane28 September 2011 at 03:51

    Yes, indeed, to the postcard commission! And a book or books of photos!

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  11. Francisca28 September 2011 at 04:02

    DO go ask for the commission, Jenny!!!!

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