Salt's Mill from the Congregational Chapel, Saltaire

Gelatine silver reproduction print entitled 'Salt's Mill from the Congregational Chapel, Saltaire' by Ian Beesley. Produced for the commission `Through the Mill:, The Story of Yorkshire Wool in Photographs'.1985-1987'.

One of the biggest names in the Bradford worsted trade was Titus Salt whose five Bradford mills manufactured worsted cloth with alpaca and a cotton warp. In 1850 Salt rationalised his business affairs by moving out of Bradford to build the model industrial village of Saltaire. Between 1850 and 1853 this enormous six storey mill was built with all the finest architectural and engineering developments of the day. From the steps of his Congregational chapel there is a good view of the mill office block and boardroom. To the right is the workers' dining room. The chimney lost its 'Italianate cap' some years ago. On the roof of the south front of the mill perches a small Second World War machine gun turret in readiness for the Nazi invasion of the Aire Valley.

[Table 32: Through the Mill - The Story of Yorkshire Wool in Photographs, by Ian Beesley and Introduction by Gary Firth]