Hydropathic Institute: Colwyn Bay

COLWYN BAY. HYDROPATHIC INSTITUTION FOR NORTH WALES - Dr. Shaw, of Colwyn Bay, is about to erect a Hydropathic Institution near the Dingles Colwyn Bay, which is expected to be equal to any other of a similar type either in Wales or elsewhere. The site is well chosen, near the seashore, from which water will be procured for marine baths, etc., and from the roof of the building, which is intended to be flat, an excellent view of the surrounding scenery will be obtained. All the necessary requirements appertaining to such an establishment have been provided in the plans of an architect well versed in such matters. Mr. Booth, of Manchester, to whom Dr. Shaw has entrusted the designing and carrying out of the undertaking, is as well known in the medical profession as an architect of good repute in sanitary works, and his experience of hospital construction will induce the expectation that the new building will not be wanting in any comfort and convenience. [Llangollen Advertiser 16 September 1881 page 3]

HYDROPATHIC INSTITUTION - This establishment has been erected for Dr Thomas Shaw, late of Bronderw, Colwyn Bay, where the doctor until very recently received patients for hydropathic treatment. The new building has been supplied with all the conveniences and accessories suggested by his practical experience as necessary for their several purposes. The site is what is known as the "Dingles" near the Colwyn Bay Hotel and overlooks the promenade and sea on one side and the Pwllycrochon Woods on the other. The greater portion of the building is covered with a roof formed of concrete, which affords an agreeable promenade, giving an excellent view of the grand scenery by which it is surrounded on all sides. Turkish, salt water and other baths are provided; the salt water being pumped from the sea-shore into a large cistern situate in the tower. The external walls are built of local stone, the outside being cemented and "pebble-dashed". This, when executed with the excellent lime of the district, forms an absolutely damp proof coating and obviates the necessity for cavity work. The chimney shafts, parapets etc are of red bricks and form an agreeable contrast with the rest of the walling. The roof of the verandah is covered with red tiles. Tinted glass, by Edmundson & Son of Manchester, has been introduced in the windows of the principal staircase, Turkish baths, vestibule doors etc. One of Constantine’s stoves heats the Turkish bath and warms the interior of the building. There are open fireplaces in all the rooms. The floors of the entrance hall, corridors etc are of concrete, worked in colours in imitation of mosaic work.

Mr James Hamilton of Altrincham was the principal contractor and Mr Malcolm Macleod of Salford has done the concrete work. Mr Lawrence Booth FRIBA designed the building and superintended its erection and completion. We understand the severest economy has been exercised in the treatment of architectural details, but in every respect the construction is of the most substantial character, and every great care has been exercised in making the sanitary arrangements as perfect as possible.

Reference    Llangollen Advertiser 16 September 1881 page 3
Reference    British Architect 23 October 1881 Page vii (Contracts)
Reference    British Architect 22 December 1882. Page 608

See also Penrhos College