Coming up roses

This is a variation on one of the most iconic images of Saltaire - the vast south face of Salts Mill, with its 150ft high chimney and decorative twin lantern towers. The railway line runs alongside. (You can just make out one of the overhead gantrys for the power cables). The newly-built Victorian railway was of course one of the reasons Titus Salt built the Mill in this position. He purchased the land in 1850. By 1853 the huge mill was up and running, bringing together on one site all the processes involved in turning raw wool into fine worsted cloth. (To find out what they are, please look at my posts for March 7th -16th 2010).

By the side of the railway line, there are areas of allotment gardens. Because Saltaire's village houses only have tiny gardens, quite a lot of space in the village was eventually given over to allotments in order that residents could grow their own veg and fruit - an activity once again becoming very trendy! At this time of year the shrubs and rose bushes provide a pretty frame for the Mill. I have noticed that the roses habitually have their 'faces' turned towards the Mill, as if themselves enjoying the view.

By the way, I have heard that, owing to staffing constraints at Shipley College, the Saltaire Archive will NOT now be open to the public in August this year. (Boo!)