Field Visit
Date May 2008
Event ID 1110969
Category Recording
Type Field Visit
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/1110969
The building is situated with its main entrance on Junction Place, and extends to the rear between Corunna Place and Bonnington Road. It is depicted on the 2nd edition of the OS 6-inch map as Victoria Baths.
The main entrance is situated in the centre of a single-storey building of red coursed-rubble sandstone with pitched slate roof with decorative clay ridge tiles and brick stack. There are bipartite windows to either side of the entrance. The double arched entrance of polished red ashlar is crowned with an segmental arched broken-apex pediment boasting a large shield. The shield depicts the seal of the burgh of Leith: a galley on the sea with unfurled masts with the Virgin and Holy Child in the centre. Above the shield are the words ‘Stgillum oppidi de Leith’ and the motto ‘Persevere’. The double entrance was previously used by the baths (left) and the town registrar (right) and the painted signs illustrating this distinction can still be seen on the stonework.
The tripartite pool block to the left has a large centre bay, which is slightly advanced and flanked by fluted pilasters and a large triangular pediment. The tall round arched window is S facing so provides natural light to the main pool area. It has small-paned leaded glazing. Beneath this window are three bronze commemorative panels. The symmetrical flanking bays are of two storeys and feature four plain window openings on each level. The remains of a decorative cast iron lamp bracket is affixed to the wall of the W bay. This bracket is a rare survivor of this once typical street furniture throughout Leith.
The baths are entered through the main entrance and through a vestibule which has a decorative dado, dentilled cornice and rood lantern and leads to the reception area. There is a large marble commemorative plaque on the vestibule wall marking the opening of the baths in June 1899. The reception area and crèche has been remodelled from the former individual plunge baths area. The open roof structure and glazed roof lighting in these areas is evidence of their former use. Similarly the small gym area has been converted from the former registrars office.
The main swimming pool is 25 yards long and surrounded by traditional single changing booths, which open directly onto the poolside. The original timber panelling inside the booths survives but the half doors were replaced in 2006 when the pool underwent some upgrading. A cantilevered gallery surrounds the pool on all sides, supported by timber columns with stylised, decorative capitals. The gallery balustrade consists of elegantly curved wrought iron balusters, which alternately feature a barley sugar twist or floral boss. The gallery slightly projects outwards at the N and S ends of the pool to provide adequate spectator viewing. A 1930s design clock, which was apparently salvaged from a nearby building, is located at then N end of the pool. The exposed light steel truss roof also features floral bosses and has two arcaded catwalks for maintenance access to the lighting and roof. The roof glazing is currently covered by corrugated acrylic sheeting.
At the time of writing a new extension to Leith Victoria Baths had recently opened, providing additional gym and studio facilities to the rear of the building.
Information from RCAHMS (EAL) May 2008.
