Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ

The same as in Salt's day!

One man's vision.

There was a man who had a vision. This vision was to build a community in which his workforce could enjoy the neighbourhood. A community that would be happy and content. A community that would work together. The vision was that of Sir Titus Salt and the community was Saltaire. Created in the 1800s during the industrial era it was a place for Salt's workers to live close to his factory.

Saltaire - World Heritage Site!

Visiting Saltaire today it's evident that things have changed. Gone is the marching sound of dirty-faced factory workers, cleared has the once thick smog that covered the area. In fact, far from its original purpose, Saltaire is now rather cosmopolitan. The once quiet streets are now riddled with coffee bars, pubs and restaurants. The huge factory that in its day was frequented by up to 3000 workers is now a plush art gallery with shops, cafe and all the trappings of a modern day Tate.

Declared a world heritage site in 2001, Saltaire is a huge tourist attraction as people come to stroll around Victoria, George and even Herbert Street - all places named after Salt's children. The area has its own Festival, now in its sixth year. The Festival offers a huge variety of attractions and creates a serious buzz around the old terraced streets. Among the music and themed tours, residents have for the second year opened their doors to the public.Μύ

No locked doors.

This certainly poses the question, what would Salt say? Rather than have the art of the Festival displayed within Salt's mill, residents have got together and decided on an open house policy. This is a group of locals that are willing to open their doors and allow people, in fact, to allow anyone to enter their home and view the art.Μύ

Art in a kitchen.

Strolling into someone's house is a strange thing. An alien feeling that feeds that curious voyeurism we all have. Not only do you get to admire the art but you can peer into people's personal space: what curtains they have, how their kitchen is furnished and what exactly Salt's houses look like. As Mike Lewis, one of the open house residents, put it: "We get bus loads of people coming in. People get the opportunity to come and snoop around the houses. Visitors are here to look at the architecture and houses just as much as the artwork".

Each of the residents involved with the open house scheme have their own reasons for taking part. But what's most notable is that they all praise the idea. Richard, taking part with his partner Sheila, explains that: "It's a really good community event and after seeing what happened last year we wanted to get involved. I certainly don't have any artistic ability so this is probably the closest I can get to art".

Lots of people will shudder at the mere thought of having hundreds of people traipsing through their home, but Gordon and Harriet at number 73 Victoria Road have done just this. They say that the people coming in are really friendly, adding: "We recommend it to anyone willing to take the plunge and open their doors". They both go a little further stating: "Salt would be proud of the community feeling - although maybe not the free wine that's on offer".Μύ

Richard and Sheila.

What would Salt say?

Would Salt be proud? It is known that he was a very private man and that he didn't like large groups of people. However, Salt's intention on top of keeping his workers close to the mill, was to build a strong community. Mike from number 65 George Street gave his opinion: "I would hope Salt would be over the moon, he didn't like people congregating but I'm sure he would like how it builds the community. He gave tours of his town and this only shows it off more".

Whatever Salt would say, the idea is certainly one that promotes a strong community ideal and this can only be a good thing. Viewing art in someone's house takes away a lot of the formality that often puts people off visiting galleries. It is a great way to imagine what the art, if purchased, would look like in a home environment. The Festival is set among some of the finest architecture in West Yorkshire and provides a view of the village not usually on offer. This year's Festival has kept the great work of Sir Titus Salt alive for yet another year!