This book explores the range of significant events that took place in
some of the most important public buildings conceived and established by
Sir Titus Salt and his fifth son, Titus Salt Junior, as part of his
vision for the industrial community of Saltaire. From as early as 1855
Salt had ensured that public space was available to the new and growing
community of Saltaire through the building of a Dining Hall, opposite
the Mill. Conceived as a building to provide cheap meals for the
workforce, its extensive space was also to initially house a 'factory
school', a library, a reading room, be the venue for topical or
political meetings, entertainment and much more. Between 1868 and 1872
the building of residential houses in Saltaire was accompanied by the
erection of some important public buildings on either side of what was
named Victoria Road. These public buildings were intended to provide for
children's education, suitable adult leisure and self-improvement
pursuits, health care and the teaching of art and science. The Technical
Institute, Exhibition Building and the Infirmary/Hospital - in common
with the Dining Hall - all witnessed events over time that reflected
significant political, economic and social upheaval and change. The
events that took place within these prominent buildings - still standing
today - and the times that forged them provide a rich tapestry of social
history from the Victorian era to modern times.
