25-02-2025
On this day in 2020: reaction to collapse of Saltaire church ceiling
On this day in 2020, the Telegraph and Argus reported that the Reverend of Saltaire was "absolutely devastated" following the collapse of part of the ornate ceiling of Saltaire's Grade I listed church.
Saltaire United Reformed Church, commissioned by Titus Salt in the mid-19th century, was damaged following Storm Dennis - ahead of Sunday worship.
A church member discovered the damage on February 16, 2020, with pews covered in plaster and dust and "battered ceiling features which had broken off."
Reverend Caroline Andrews said at the time: "It's devastating.
"Absolutely devastating.
"It's a good thing no one was hurt."
Maria Glot, a Saltaire UNESCO World Heritage tour guide, was quoted as saying: "It's our Taj Mahal.
"It's the Taj Mahal of Bradford.
"It's a symbol of the wealth and the skills this area has to offer.
"The beautiful architecture, the beautiful pillars, the ornate plasterwork.
"These are all skills to the incredible craftsmen that makes an amazing place to live and visit."
Ms Glot, in the days since the discovery of the collapse, had reportedly been contacted by "about 15,000 people" regarding the incident.
It was not known at the time when the damage was going to be repaired.
Arctic Associates eventually worked with Cliveden Conservation to conduct repairs.
