ABOUT THIS PRINT - THE BOATHOUSE
 Mouse over to enlarge.
This is a digital painting of The Boathouse Inn, Saltaire, made all the more poignant due to the current state of the Boathouse - decaying by the River Aire after arson attacks in 2008. The Boathouse was captured following a snow storm in March 2006.
The Boathouse is an important and historic landmark in the World Heritage Site of Saltaire. Saltaire is home to Salts Mill, built by textile magnate, Titus Salt in 1853. Saltaire was developed over a period of 20 years and became a self sufficient community with workers' houses, a hospital, school and all necessary amenities, though public houses were banned! On 25 July 1871, Saltaire Park was presented to the people of Saltaire. On the opposite side of the River Aire stood The Boathouse. The park gave people a place of peace and recreation away from their work at the mill: boats could be hired from the boathouse, and there were games of cricket, bowls and croquet. There were places to shelter from the sun and the rain and people even swam in the River Aire. The boathouse became a restaurant and pub and though the building is unlisted, it is an important part of Saltaire’s history. Sadly, the Boathouse Inn was floundering as a business and was damaged by a fire on 11 April 2008. The building may be restored, but at this time, its future is remains uncertain.
Pamela Reynolds
Added: 16 January 2009 |
