Victoria Baths, Manchester

Victoria Baths is a phenomenal building - winner of the first BBC 'Restoration' programme. Named from the local estate, it is an Edwardian masterpiece that is in the process of being restored. I visited as part of the Heritage Open Day programme - it's well worth a visit at any time.

It contains a welter of fantastic glass that is worth a visit just to see this. Really superb detail and vibrant colours.










It was of course a multi-functional building, with swimming as one of the major facilities available. Not all the pools are open as some still need repair, but this reflection shot gives some idea of the magnificent pool architecture there is.














The building contains a mass of incredible detail, such as the mosaic floors in the reception areas. Showing the impact of many years of wear now, they demonstrate the incredible expense that was incurred in the construction of this building.












The complex was not solely for swimming though, and this shot of part of the renovated Turkish Bath really demonstrates the variety of facilities available, and the fantastic architecture.