Victoria Baths Trust is asking anyone that took part in the protests against the closure of the building in 1992/3 to get in touch to help with an exhibition it is developing on the story of Manchester’s Water Palace.
Victoria Baths is now one of the most celebrated heritage buildings in the country, but in 1993 it faced a crisis when, after years of neglect, the doors were closed. Members of the local community, led by Chandy Coverley and Ann Graham, responded immediately, seeing this as a threat to the wellbeing of everyone who used the Baths. Thanks to their efforts then, and the role the community has continued to play since, Victoria Baths has been regularly opening its doors to the public since 2003, and its journey towards full restoration continues.
To help tell its incredible story and to inspire others about the power of collective action and community, Victoria Baths Trust has commissioned a permanent exhibition that all visitors to the building will be able to see. The intention is to feature some of the original materials, photographs and banners from the protests to save Victoria Baths in 1992/3. The exhibition designers are hopeful that something might have survived the past 27 years in a cupboard, cellar or attic.
Jill Earnshaw, Chair of Trustees, says, “The way in which the users of Victoria Baths mobilised themselves and worked to get the message out there about the building was truly inspiring. They organised marches and collected 16,000 signatures, and all with no internet!
“It is a campaign that is far from over. Whilst Victoria Baths is now once again very much a part of Manchester life, like our early campaigners our desire is to see swimming take place at Victoria Baths again. All of our fundraising work goes towards the ongoing restoration of Victoria Baths, with the vision being that one day the Turkish Baths and at least one of the three pools will return to full and permanent use.”
If you have images of the protests, banners or any other interesting materials or stories relating to the saving of Victoria Baths please get in touch via enquiries@victoriabaths.org.uk. The team would particularly love to track down the original of a grainy image that includes Chandy Coverley on one of the early marches; Chandy sadly passed away earlier this year, having continued to support the work of Victoria Baths Trust as Chair of the Friends and then as a trustee.
The exhibition telling the story of Victoria Baths, and some of the individuals that have played their part in securing its future, will go on display permanently from 7 September at the “Swim for Restoration” weekend.
For further information on Victoria Baths, visit victoriabaths.org.uk
