I've said it before.... I feel so fortunate to live close to Salts Mill. I can't think of anything nicer, especially on a chilly winter's day, than to spend an hour or so browsing the art and photography books in the 1853 Gallery. The Gallery itself, though it's a huge space, feels quite cosy and intimate, helped by the lighting and the colours, the gentle music and the warm scent of lilies. My idea of heaven.... I wish I could tele-transport you there for a while. My photo will have to do the job!
The sharp-eyed among you will have noticed the unusual book-stand. It's an old weighing machine, a legacy of the mill's history as a textile works. It was made by Day and Millward, a Birmingham firm. They won an award at the Great Exhibition in 1851 in "Section G: Weighing, Measuring and Registering Machines for Commercial and not for Philosophical Purposes"... ???
Advance notice of more festivities in Saltaire (we like them a lot!):
World Heritage Site Weekend - 20-22 April 2012 - with lots of activities planned around Roberts Park and the canal, and items from the Saltaire archive on show.
Saltaire Arts Trail - 5-7 May 2012 - see their website for details.
Saltaire Festival - 6-16 September 2012 - see website for more information.
And for keen walkers there's ride2stride, the Settle-Carlisle Walking Festival from May 1-7. It's a week of walks, talks and music from stations on the Settle-Carlisle line - all accessible from Saltaire station and organised from right here in Saltaire.
ReplyDeletewww.ride2stride.org.uk
I've just finished reading "Salt and Silver," and immediately recognized the 1853 Gallery. Thanks for the photo. Jim
ReplyDeleteI had just mentioned Elizabeth Gaskell's book North and South and here you show me Salts Mill. I imagine that building during its textile days. What a pleasant way to spend an afternoon - browsing the books and art now found within.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you - the atmosphere, the building, the books : my kind of heaven. Now if only there was a decent pub inside.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenny .. your photo is brilliant - and I totally agree - I'd love to be teleported there to share a coffee and a walk about .. looks a wonderful place.
ReplyDeleteI love the book stand .. and it really does the job well. Your photography and comments are just wonderful to see .. cheers Hilary
What a wonderful pastime- I would happily join you for a browse Jenny- history, elegance, books and warmth-perfect!
ReplyDelete"not for philosophical purposes"?!!
ReplyDeleteThat's funny! beautyful piece of "furniture" anyway!
Doesn't displaying art books count as a philosophical purpose then? Sounds like my kind of place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and comfortable place. Your photograph is --- like always -- outstanding.
ReplyDeleteI can just "feel" the atmosphere there from your image and description Jenny! What a great place. At first I thought the book stands were easels set up for an art class. ~Lili
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