Public Baths, High Street, Wandsworth

It is surprising that Wandsworth has not been provided with public baths long. With enterprising Battersea such a near neighbour, one would have thought that the mere spirit of emulation would have induced the Vestry to move in this direction before. Better late than never, however. The new establishment in High-street will be in every respect worthy of the district. The site is bounded on side by the river Wandle, but that source will not be used for the water supply. It will first of all be obtained from the local company; and in course of time it is very possible that an artesian well will be sunk.

The buildings have been designed by Messrs. Spalding and Cross, architects, of Queen-street, and their cost will not be less than £20,000. The style will be English Renaissance, and the front will be built of red bricks, with Portland stone dressing. The building will have a frontage of 75 feet, and an average depth of 246 feet. The plans provide for one first-class swimming bath 100 feet by 30 feet, and one second-class bath 85 feet by 30 feet. There will be six men's first-class slipper baths, and thirty second-class; the ladies will be provided with four first and eight second-class. The suite of private baths will have waiting rooms and offices attached. A spacious establishment laundry will be worked by an electric motor. The first floor will contain a board room, six rooms for superintendents, and offices. In the winter the large baths can be floored over, and the hall thus provided used for gymnastics and public entertainments. This arrangement, which has already been adopted with success by several vestries in London, will overcome one of the greatest difficulties that has hitherto confronted bath authorities. The gymnasium at Battersea Baths, for instance, was only opened on Jan.23, but already some 6,000 persons have taken advantage of the facilities provided. Over £70 has been taken in fees. The architects have taken pains to ensure that there shall be no lack of accommodation for on-lookers.  Wandsworth is rapidly increasing in population, and has become a very large centre for working men. The population is now 60,000. [Municipal Journal and London, March 31, 1899] with illustration

BATHS, WANDSWORTH - The Lord Mayor (Sir Alfred James Newton), accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, visited Wandsworth on the 6th inst. for lie purpose of laying the foundation-stone of the public baths to be erected by the Wandsworth Vestry. The baths will occupy a position facing High-street, and very near the Town Hall. The cost if the building will be £29,291, £3,800 being paid for the freehold. The baths will have a frontage of 72 feet, and a depth of 207 feet, the style being English Renaissance. The number of men’s first -class private baths will be six, and thirty second; women, [our first, eight second. The first-class bath will be 100 feet long by 30 feet wide. There will be sixty dressing boxes, made of teak, and so fitted that, when needful, they can be folded back against the wall. The second-class bath is 85 feet long by 30 feet wide, and contains seventy-two dressing boxes. Both baths are lined throughout with white glazed bricks; the gangways are to be paved with ornamental tiling or granolithic pavement. The roof of the building will be covered with Broseley tiles. Mr. Walter Wallis, of Balham, is carrying out the work, under the supervision of the architects, Messrs. Spalding & Spalding, of Queen-street, E.C. The clerk of the works is Mr. Alfred Davies [Builder 13 October 1900 page 325]