WHAT IS SALTS MILL - Salts mills is a huge, restored woollen mill on the outskirts of Bradford.  This magnificent and impressive building in the palladian style, now has a new life as an important centre for Art galleries; the star attraction being an extensive display of Yorkshire’s own David Hockney. The building also houses a variety of shops and has cafe and dining facilities. For the website click HERE

HISTORY - Salts Mill was built by Sir Titus Salt in the 1850’s see HERE  Sir Titus was a late arrival into the woollen industry which began half a century earlier. He accumulated his wealth from developing a version of “worsted” cloth uniquely using llama wool in the mix, which proved to be very popular. He built the building complex with the latest machinery to exploit his invention choosing a location close to the river Aire and the railway.

SALTAIRE VILLAGE - Sir Titus then spent the next 20 years building the adjacent Saltaire Village to house his workers.  He recognised the poor living conditions of contemporary workers and resolved to provide much improved housing and amenities close to his new enterprise.  Some say that this worthy endeavour was not entirely philanthropic as he recognised that such a facility engendered fitness, loyalty and discilpline in his workforce. His financing of a very substantial Chapel and the banning of alehouses also supported their spiritual welfare!  see more HERE

The vilage is now designated ,"World Heritage Site"   Deservedly so, because this was the model for later, more famous worker villages such as Cadbury's Bournville and the Soap empire owners the Lever brothers, Port Sunlight village.

THE RESTORATION - Begun in 1987 and was financed and carried out by Jonathan Silver a local entrepreneur who made his money in trading art and retail menswear.  Jonathan was a lifelong admirer of David Hockney and the two became firm friends.  Tragically Jonathan died of cancer in  at the age of 47 in 1997.  Maggie his wife and daughter Zoe are still inviolved and the story is best told in this article by daughter Zoe Click HERE

SUMMARY - A very worthy and successful project out of what some may call the "Dark Satanic Mills" of the UK Industrial revolution. Yorkshire can be truly proud.   Well worth a visit and if the weather is kind an exploration of Saltaire Model Village is well worthwhile.  In other words  - 

                                        A GRAND DAY OUT AT t'MILL