Tuesday 14 July 2009

Old Public Baths, Cheshire Street E2

The old public baths and washhouse in Bethnal Green was built in 1898 to provide baths for washing both bodies and clothes. The architect, R. Stephen Ayling, specialised in social works such as hostels, abbatoirs and public conveniences. His design was praised at the time for providing space for prams, "in which the washers usually bring their linen. In most of the London baths this been omitted, with the result that the waiting halls are often impassable."
The separate entrances for men and women are signed by scrolls held by elegant cherubs.
The place was converted into flats and a boxing club in 1999.

1 comment:

ChIna Seas said...

Doing my ancestry research i find my grandfather lived in Bethnal Green according to the 1901 census.... Bath Attendant so guess this was where he worked. ....will try to find the building when in London. LB