…A Legacy of Community, Fitness and Friendship
The Western Baths Club, one of the jewels in the West End’s crown, is this year celebrating its 150th Anniversary.
By Hilary Barclay.
The Western Baths, a Category A Listed Building and an architectural joy, was designed and built by the local firm of Clarke and Bell, Architects and Builders for, legend has it, the sum of £9,000. Although this may have been the estimate, rather than the final figure, which was probably more like £13,000.
The style of architecture could be described as either Spanish Gothic or Moorish. In any case, it was a style which would have been associated with Turkish baths. It could also be said that the building has the air of a Venetian Palazzo.
The Western Baths, when it was built in 1876, had some of the best facilities in the city, including the biggest pool in Scotland, measuring 90ft x 35ft, which was not exceeded until the 1930s. A surviving and unique feature are the rings and trapeze which enable members to ‘fly’ through the air above the water.
‘The Baths’
Prior to 1876, river swimming in the Clyde, particularly near Glasgow Green, had been hugely popular, for men and boys at least. But, in the last quarter of the 19th century, the once peaceful river became an industrial artery and having a ‘dook’ eventually became impossible. The loss of the Clyde as a swimming spot, coupled with concerns over public health, led to the building of five private, plus six public, pools.
However, in Glasgow, when people referred to ‘the Baths’, they meant the Western Baths, and that remains the case to this day. Today, only the Western and the Arlington Baths survive of the five private establishments. Structurally, the original building hasn’t been altered much over the last 150 years, although things have been moved around somewhat to accommodate changing times. The most modern addition is the W.M. Mann Building which houses the sports hall and gym with associated changing areas.
The Western Baths remains an icon of Glasgow’s West End and members, of which there are around 2,700, come from all sectors of the community. The Baths also supports sporting excellence, particularly among younger members. The Sporting Achievement Board, for instance, now features Baths member Sean Lazzerini who won a gold medal in boxing at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
More than a Swimming Pool
The Baths also has a sports injury clinic offering sports massage and physiotherapy, a hairdressing salon and a beauty therapist.
The Deepend Bar & Bistro offers food and drink with themed nights and live entertainment and is available for private functions. But its main attraction is a very special atmosphere of friendliness and inclusivity for all ages, abilities and interests. As well as the pool, there are steam rooms, saunas and cold plunge pools, relaxation rooms and a range of classes from yoga and zumba to boxercise and spin.
In terms of history, it would be remiss not to mention the Bathmasters, all of whom played a major role in the life of the Baths. In the early days they lived on the premises and were expected to have a wife who would carry out her own duties. On a practical level the Bathsmaster ran the Baths. He also gave swimming lessons and kept small boys in check, having the power to suspend miscreants. Robert Campbell was the longest running and served from 1912-1946. The last Bathsmaster was Neil Anderson who left in 2011.
Celebrate Good Times
Chairman William Bell said: ‘At its heart, the Baths is a place that allows you to recharge, refocus and rebuild. The Baths is the ideal setting to introduce the young, and not so young, to a lifetime of health and well-being activity, enabling members to lead more positive and fulfilling lives.
‘Central to our success is a shared responsibility to embed a progressive culture at the Baths. As members, together with our professional staff team, we strive to foster a warm and welcoming environment underpinned by mutual respect and a shared commitment to safeguarding our Club’s future.
‘We pride ourselves on being a club for all and a club for all seasons.’
The Baths kicked off its anniversary year with a traditional Ceilidh at the end of February. In May, members enjoyed a Gala Dinner at neighbouring Òran Mór where the stunning auditorium roof was designed by the late artist and writer Alasdair Gray, a Baths member and Artist in Residence who designed the floor of our downstairs foyer. The night was supported by the W.M. Mann Group.
There will, of course, be a swimming gala, followed by a Hallowe’en Party then a winter Ceilidh to round off the year plus various children’s events.
For the latest updates, news and events, visit:
thewesternbaths.co.uk.
And give them a follow on socials:
instagram.com/westernbathsclub
Facebook @The Western Baths Club
