Every month Wild Daffodil hosts a photo challenge on the theme of windows, so I’m always on the look out for photo opportunities! This month I’ve chosen old industrial windows, not pretty but functional!
At my recent trip to Sunny Bank Mills in Farsley I learnt all about north light roof windows, apparently mills are traditionally positioned according to compass points a bit like churches are. The zig-zag windows on the roof always face north so they get lots of light but no direct sunlight to fade the cloth, it keeps temperatures down and avoids hard shadows – I never knew that!
Sunny Bank Mills was founded by a group of local weavers in 1812, the current owners are descendants of one of those men, across six generations. It ceased trading as a mill around 2006 and is currently being converted into little business units, it now employs more people than it did as a mill! This view from one of the windows above shows areas being demolished and others which have been renovated. It’s a huge site! There’s art galleries, craft sudios, a textile recycle unit, sewing school…
This is one of the renovated buildings, I love the way they have kept all the external signs of its history, such as the iron hoist and old signage. They’ve not prettified it!
The lower floors of the mill was pretty dark despite lots of windows, I think this was the original mill building, founded in 1812…
This is the entrance to the old mill which we went in as part of the Heritage weekend, this old building is waiting for it’s moment to shine and live again as part of the renovations.
For lots more windows (and probably prettier ones!) follow the link to Wild Daffodil.
thecraftycreek 
Wonderful old mill. I never knew that about the north facing windows. I have visited two old mills in Leeds/Bradford. I have Styall Mill on my bucket list. Love your windows this month.
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Glad it’s not just me that never knew 🙂
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Interesting fact about north facing windows! My house faces north…it would be fun to have windows like the mill! 🙂
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My houses faces north too, nice and cool in the summer. I wouldn’t fancy cleaning those windows 🙂
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Great to learn about the reasons for the north windows. Fabulous they have managed to keep it open for the creative studios.
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They’ve made a great community in there, with lots more planned.
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That first, those architects were very smart to put all that natural light to use!
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I’ve also learnt something new today so thank you for that.
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Agree with all of the above, and love seeing all the old buildings being reused rather than history being torn down. Lovely piece!
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What a wonderful post! I’m so sorry that it has taken til now to get to read it.
I love the history that goes with your photos. Great entry to the challenge! Thank you.
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