Scottish baths 1868-1914 : and their conservation

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis is to stimulate interest in those buildings housing swimming ponds, constructed during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries in Scotland, so that the erosion of their quality can he halted and further demolition prevented. Factors influencing the development of swimming are considered from the eighteenth century until the activities popularisation in the late nineteenth century. This allows an appreciation of Bath buildings set against a social and historical framework. Having established the general qualities, both tangible and intangible, there follows a more detailed analysis of typical styles, structure, finishes and commonly executed alterations. The current value of Baths and measures which should he implemented to retain their distinctive character are discussed in the conclusion which urges the adoption of more comprehensive listing criteria and a more sensitive approach to future refurbishment work. Such action is impossible without a thematic ground-line, hence a gazetteer has been compiled offering historical background, descriptions and an indication of the past and present condition of these structures.