I spent today in Saltaire at the World Heritage Weekender – a celebration of Saltaire’s UNESCO World Heritage status. I saw my first Steam Punks – who were out in force! But more importantly, it was a chance to meet Maggie who has been researching the experiences of Polish immigrant workers in the North West textile industry. Most came after the war when it became clear that they couldn’t return to their homes after being caught in the political manoeverings between Germany and the Soviet Union. Maggie is going to try and link me up with some of the people she met through the Bradford Polish club. Her research focused on their journey to the UK, and some were unwilling to recall those difficult days, particularly the women. She thinks they may find it easier to talk about their time in the mill
I also got a chance to meet Sandy from the Saltaire Archive, and she gave me some names of people she knows who worked at Salts Mill. Shipley College host the archive so I asked Sandy whether I could get access to electronic whiteboards for doing group interviews. She will find out who I should talk to.
I also visited the United Reform Church. The building is a real landmark in Saltaire, but it seems that their congragation were mainly from Bailsden on the other side of the valley, which was where the Salts had their big houses. Their connection with the mill workers was less strong. But I did see a copy of F’s 1945 wedding photo in their archive. He looked exactly the same as he does today!
Another tiring day, but really useful contacts. It’s a bit frustrating that I can’t do anything more for a while, a work trip and a residency will keep me busy for the next three weeks. That’s what it is always like, juggling work and art projects. I wish I could focus on this project full time for even a week – I could get so much done!
