David Hockney Art at Salts Mill Saltaire
Saltaire in Yorkshire Combines Hockney and Industrial Heritage
Sep 4, 2009
The Victorian model village of Saltaire in Yorkshire has lots to offer visitors, including a renovated woollen mill housing a large collection of David Hockney's art. It is the perfect spot for a weekend break..
Saltaire is World Heritage Site
Although Saltaire is a World Heritage Site with a Grade I listed mill, it is by no means a static, museum-type area. The workers’ terraced houses and the impressive management homes are all Grade II listed buildings, privately owned by people who live in the community.
The village was purpose-built by the Victorian entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sir Titus Salt, to provide good living conditions for his mill-workers. It includes a school, hospital (now flats), church, civic centre, almshouses and a public park.
Italian Influence on Saltaire
The main area is Victoria Road. It has a distinct continental feel with its elegant buildings, proud lions on plinths and chestnut trees on either side. The Italian influence was probably intentional as Titus Salt loved visiting Italy.
Rows of Victorian workers’ terraced cottages lead off either side of Victoria Road and further up there are beautiful almshouses. Downhill, next to the mill, is the canal, the river Aire with its dramatic weir, and the railway line.
The Congregational Church, Saltaire
Continuing with the Italian influence, the Congregational church was built by Titus as a ‘palace to God’. It is one of the finest examples of Italian influenced architecture in Europe. Being placed opposite the entrance to the mill it was no doubt meant to instil godliness into the workforce!
Salts Mill, Saltaire
The main attraction is Salts Mill. It is impossible for mere words, or even photographs, to describe the impact of this imposing edifice. Completed in 1853 and based on an Italian palace, with its beautiful yellow brickwork, it reflects the confidence of the Industrial Revolution. Its extension has a stunning chimney which is a copy of the church tower of Santa Maria Gloriosa in Venice.
David Hockney Paintings at Gallery 1853
The interior of Salts Mill has three floors of elegant shops and galleries. It is an absolute joy to visit Hockney’s work, including his opera set designs, in such a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
On the Ground Floor at Gallery 1853, amongst art books, cards, beautiful Burmantoft pottery and art materials, Hockney’s work is permanently displayed on the rough brick walls of this massive hall. Despite the amazing transformation of this vast space, one feels the presence of those mill workers, men, women and children. What would they think?
Other floors are equally absorbing, composed of books, antiques, posters, jewellery, outdoor wear, quality homeware, fabrics, Hockney’s opera set designs and a restaurant and diner.
A Guided Walk Around Saltaire
Time and weather permitting, a guided walk is an excellent way to discover the intimate history of Saltaire. Guides meet outside a shop called Magic Number 3 in Victoria Street at 2:00pm, Saturdays and Sundays.
Eating in Saltaire
The Diner in Salts Mill is excellent as is their fish restaurant, Cafe Into The Opera (check website for times). In Victoria Street there is Don’t Tell Titus which is a pub and restaurant combined, so called because Titus Salt didn’t allow public houses in his village!
Up on Bingley Road, there are various pubs and take-away food shops, as well as the usual shopping facilities. You may find this area useful if you plan tostay in a Victorian cottage in Saltaire and do your own cooking!
The beauty of Saltaire is that it is a fascinating place in its own right, but is also surrounded by beautiful countryside and many other attractions that are within easy reach, including the Bronte Parsonage.
For further information about Salts Mill visit the official website.
Relevant Articles:
- Bolton and the Walt Whitman Connection - an annual Walt Whitman Day Walk in Bolton celebrates a real-life connection with poet Walt Whitman and this Yorkshire mill town
- Samuel Smiles First Victorian Self-Help Author - short biography of the man who encouraged the Victorian cult of individualism, or self-help.
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