Saltaire Collection
The Saltaire Collection provides insights to the history and development of Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in West Yorkshire. The collection relates to Saltaire’s buildings, people, businesses, educational institutions, community organisations and events. This includes Shipley College, Salts Mill, the Salt and the Roberts family.
The collection comprises aver 5,000 items including original and quasi original documents, photographs, maps/plans, newspaper cuttings, artworks, books and objects. The ‘quasi’ original items are the only copies of digitised collections of a range of materials that can be made available to the public which are otherwise in the ownership of private individuals.
The time period covers the 1850s to the present day, with a particular strength in 19th Century history.
Between 2018-2019 we are improving our catalogue to make the collection more accessible and this is available via our new web site www.saltairecollection.org
Saltaire Stories is the education programme of Saltaire World Heritage Education Association (charity no.1158756). SWHEA was formed by three partner organisations, the Salt Foundation, Shipley College, and Saltaire United Reformed Church. It works alongside other organisations and individuals to promote educational use of the World Heritage Site. The archive is managed by volunteers under the guidance of the Archivist. The Archive has grown over many years and is held in trust by Shipley College for the community.
The Saltaire Collection is a source of inspiration and enchantment; rich with local and global history. Saltaire Stories has a Learning Officer who develops cross-curricular learning resources, based on the archive. Designed to complement visits to Saltaire, the digitised elements of the collection will provide sources for teachers and learners to prepare for visits and continue learning afterwards.
Saltaire Archive welcomes visitors and researchers by prior appointment. We are based in the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) on the second floor of the Exhibition Building in Saltaire.
If you are interested in local history, or looking for work experience please get in touch and we will be happy to help.