Links are available below to just a few of the individual pools, organisations, social enterprise groups, historical archives and artistic endeavours that Anthropology of Swimming is overwhelmed by.
To quote directly from their website: Future Lidosis an informal network of community-led projects and campaigns around the UK and Ireland, dedicated to reviving outdoor pool swimming in our communities. The group was inspired by the collaborative energy of three National Lido Conferences convened by The Lido Guide authors Emma Pusill and Janet Wilkinson. In early 2021, Michael Wood of Northumbria University and Tynemouth Pool, Deborah Aydon of The People’s Pool, and Chris Romer-Lee of Thames Baths and Studio Octopi architects called a virtual meeting for all the lido restoration and creation projects in the UK and Ireland. The group has been meeting regularly since then, and steadily growing: there are now over 40 known projects, and more are emerging all the time.
Alliance Citoyenne Grenoble is part of the larger Alliance Citoyenne group which challenges injustice and inequalities through non-violent campaigns which mobilise for causes such as civil rights for Muslim women, access to water for all and affordable public housing. Their protests against the denial of access to pools on the basis of their desire to wear modest swimwear is inspiring and I hope ultimately successful.
Amanda is an inspirational photographer, author and collector of swimming memorabilia. Her work can be found through the above Facebook and Twitter links and her Bathurst Bathing Belles book can be found in the literature section.
Bramley Baths is located just outside of Leeds in West Yorkshire and they are a community-led enterprise with an very rich and long history. In their own words: ‘Bramley Baths first opened in 1904 giving local people access to washing facilities. It is now a community enterprise and powered by people, a professional staff team supported by volunteers who help with events and fundraising. We offer pay as you membership to our pool, gym, fitness classes and Russian steam room.’ Bramley Baths serves as an inspiration example of how hard work, care and commitment can go a long way to keeping an incredibly important community resource alive.
In theory, Otley Lido would be a 5 – 10 minute walk from my door and I would find myself swimming there throughout the year. In practice, it is simply a derelict field waiting to be restored. Friends of Otley Lido are a volunteer group leading the campaign for the pool to be restored. If successful, the pool would provide a much needed resource for the community of Otley and surrounding areas. Hats off to the Friends of Otley Lido.
With the increasing threat to pools and social infrastructure, the work of the Historic Pools of Britain is vital to preserving working pools in communities in the UK. In their words: ‘Established in 2015, Historic Pools of Britain is the first body ever to represent historic swimming pools in this country. These unique indoor and outdoor pools make a significant contribution to the social and architectural history of Britain and play a hugely important role in our communities. We celebrate, champion and campaign for historic pools, giving them a shared voice throughout the country. Additionally we provide the opportunity for mutual support and learning.’ I attended a meeting of the organisation in October 2019 at Bramley Baths and was truly inspired by all the work going towards keeping historic pools throughout the UK afloat.
Kate Gillwood is an open water swimmer, coach and writer. Her work can be found on the Outdoor Swimmer website ‘Diary of a Wandering Swimmer’. She also has her own ‘swim freedom’ website and is interviewed on the ‘Chats’ page of this website.
Moseley Road Baths is almost beyond description. It’s quirky and may be run on very limited funding, but it is a jewel in this area of Birmingham. In their own words: ‘Moseley Road Baths is a beautiful Grade II* listed pool in the heart of Balsall Heath. Our vision for Moseley Road Baths is as a vibrant, sustainable community asset and heritage venue running as a community business offering a range of health, wellbeing and community facilities including swimming.’
Played in Britain is an excellent series of monographs dedicated to archiving the sports heritage. In their own words: ‘We publish books about Britain’s sporting heritage. If you like an old scoreboard, or a mildewed pavilion; if you would like to know where to find the world’s oldest bowling green, or the best Art Deco grandstand in London; if you’re fed up with homogenised, commercialised sport, and long to dive into a Victorian swimming pool with gorgeous ceramic tiling; if you think potting balls all afternoon in a dimly-lit billiard hall is definitely not time misspent; if you have ever wondered why tennis and suburbia go together so well, then Played in Britain is for you…’
The Yorkshire Life Aquatic is involved in inspiring community-based artistic work which includes the Bramley Mermaids. In their own words: ‘Yorkshire Life Aquatic are a social enterprise that use creativity and performance to promote health, wellbeing and environmental causes. They use swimming as a catalyst for performances and workshops. They are also running classes in and out of water with groups of all ages and abilities.’ As one of my family members can confirm, the junior mermaid classes are really cool.
Rachel Gillies has been inspirational in both fighting for the survival of Moseley Road Baths and in documenting the rich narratives that are embedded in a historic bath which has been in existence for over 100 years old. As can be seen on her website, this is just one example of the many community-based projects that she is involved in and that are vital for the connective tissue of a community.
An Anthropology of Swimming 