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Saltaire Club and Institute The Saltaire Club and Institute opened in 1870 and was based in a large new building on Victoria Road, above Salts Mill. The building is now referred to as Victoria Hall. Although not part of the temperance movement, Titus Salt was staunchly opposed to the construction of a public house in his village, having seen many workers in Bradford drink their wages away as soon as they were paid and fail to provide for their families. Residents were free to drink at home or at pubs outside the village but Salt hoped they would be attracted by the more immediate Social Club and Institute. The founding rules of the Club and Institute stated that its objects were 'to afford to the inhabitants of Saltaire, and its neighbourhood, the means of social intercourse, mutual help, mental and moral improvement and rational recreation, also to afford facilities for holding meetings of Friendly and other Societies'. There was a small quarterly charge for membership, whch was open to men, women and young people over the age of 13. The building housed rooms for billiards, bagatelle, chess and drafts, reading, classrooms, an extensive library, a laboratory and a large hall for lectures and concerts. In the 1880s it housed the Schools of Art and Science before they moved to the purpose-built Exhibition Building. -
Saltaire Conversazione The Saltaire Conversazione was an annual social event that occurred between 1878 and 1964 (except for the years around the world wars). Usually held in January, the Conversazione originally was held over 3 days and consisted of events for eating, dancing, and entertainment. There were varying ticket prices for the individual events, making it possible for the whole of the Saltaire community to attend at least part of the Conversazione. The Salt family, particularly Titus Salt Junior and his wife Catherine, were prominent organisers of the event in its earliest days.