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- Aug 11, 2011
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" Thomas Broadbents "
I visited here some time ago with a forum buddy, and with kind permission from the owner. When I first heard about it I must admit to feeling rather excited regarding the prospects of something rather special within It's stone walls. Lovely deep baths and wonderful decor aplenty! My illusions were rather dampened though Don't get me wrong, this is classic 50's styling at It's best. And for that reason alone it deserves merit.
I wanted to put this in the live section of the forum ( as parts of the bath house are still in use today ) I don't have permission to post there, so mods please feel free to do as you wish.
Thomas Broadbents were founded in 1864 as an engineering firm serving the local textile trade. They also made a range of products including steam engines, cars and traveling cranes. During world war two the company even made submarines.
The Bath House was opened in 1955 and was described as having the most up to date facilities. The building is rare and unique, and because of It's status! It is now designated grade 2 listed.
Beacause of time constraints we only had around 1hr in here before the workers returned from their foundry shift.
This is the exterior...... Contemporary Architecture
In the lobby was this original ceramic water fountain.
Then a nice low sink for washing the old smelly feet
Even the hand basin taps were powered by foot levers.
Each worker was issued with two lockers. One for outdoor clothes and the other for foundry attire.
Every locker had warm air circulating throughout. This was to reduce the risk of the workers catching cold after their showers, and to keep the clothes warm and dry.
I just love the rows of cool steel
The original shower fittings complete with carbolic soap.
Shower areas with nice abstract style buff and black tiles. Reminds me a little of the old pit head baths.
And a grand vintage petrol pump to finish with
If nothing else It's just nice to see it preserved.
Thanks for looking.
I visited here some time ago with a forum buddy, and with kind permission from the owner. When I first heard about it I must admit to feeling rather excited regarding the prospects of something rather special within It's stone walls. Lovely deep baths and wonderful decor aplenty! My illusions were rather dampened though Don't get me wrong, this is classic 50's styling at It's best. And for that reason alone it deserves merit.
I wanted to put this in the live section of the forum ( as parts of the bath house are still in use today ) I don't have permission to post there, so mods please feel free to do as you wish.
Thomas Broadbents were founded in 1864 as an engineering firm serving the local textile trade. They also made a range of products including steam engines, cars and traveling cranes. During world war two the company even made submarines.
The Bath House was opened in 1955 and was described as having the most up to date facilities. The building is rare and unique, and because of It's status! It is now designated grade 2 listed.
Beacause of time constraints we only had around 1hr in here before the workers returned from their foundry shift.
This is the exterior...... Contemporary Architecture
In the lobby was this original ceramic water fountain.
Then a nice low sink for washing the old smelly feet
Even the hand basin taps were powered by foot levers.
Each worker was issued with two lockers. One for outdoor clothes and the other for foundry attire.
Every locker had warm air circulating throughout. This was to reduce the risk of the workers catching cold after their showers, and to keep the clothes warm and dry.
I just love the rows of cool steel
The original shower fittings complete with carbolic soap.
Shower areas with nice abstract style buff and black tiles. Reminds me a little of the old pit head baths.
And a grand vintage petrol pump to finish with
If nothing else It's just nice to see it preserved.
Thanks for looking.