Camberwell Public Baths

Camberwell Public Baths

Public baths designed in 1890 and dated to 1891. Built by architects Henry Spalding and Alfred WS Cross, with Balaam Bros as builders. This Grade II listed building is constructed in red brick laid in Flemish bond with rubbed brick, terracotta, and artificial stone dressings, designed in the Netherlandish Renaissance style.

The exterior features a parapeted roof and a gable-facing elevation containing a 5-window range housing offices and a caretaker's room. Single-storey bath halls extend to the rear. The main elevation facing Artichoke Place comprises 3-storey wings with 4-storey centre ranges, and a single-storey structure of 3 windows on the right return. All window and door openings are flat-arched.

The pair of main entrances are positioned in the 2nd and 4th window ranges, each set within a Tuscan aedicule with dentil cornice and panelled parapet above. Both entrances feature overlights of decorative glazing forming the words "Public Baths". A third, less elaborate entrance is located to the right. A broad storey band runs between the ground and first floors, while architraves around all ground-floor openings are of moulded and rubbed brick. Every window has a projecting sill supported by projecting brackets.

The 2nd and 4th window ranges on the 1st to 3rd floors are framed by Tuscan pilasters on each floor, ornamented with terracotta panels arranged in a heart pattern. Sill bands mark the 1st and 2nd floors. An entablature band separates the 1st and 2nd floors, with a full entablature above the 2nd floor. The centre sections are inscribed "Camberwell Public Baths". The frieze to the side ranges features swags in rubbed brick with a dentil cornice. The parapets above the 1st and 5th window ranges curve upward to meet the higher central section. A Dutch gable cresting with shell pediment crowns the 3rd floor, incorporating a clock face. Chimney stacks are positioned on the right return wall and between the 1st and 2nd, and 4th and 5th window ranges.

The interior retains the original pay box in the lobby. The 1st-class bath comprises 14 bays with viewing galleries on all sides, lit by skylight. The roof truss is formed from a pair of hammer beams from which spring arched braces, each bay tied by a wrought-iron brace. Side aisles are formed by orthostats supporting concrete beams. A single segmental-arched window lights each bay. The gallery front is of curved wrought iron with open filigree work. The slipper baths have been removed and replaced with gym facilities.

A plaque on the front wall between the entrances records the original commissioners (JT Sears, RT Bonsall, JT Ralph, R Strong JP LCC, GL Turney JP, M Wallace), along with names of George Marsden (Clerk to the Vestry of Camberwell Parish), Spalding and Cross (architects), Balaam Bros (builders), and C William Tagg (Clerk of the Works).

This building represents one of the earliest commissions for architect Alfred Cross, who later became a leading expert on public baths design and authored the standard work on the subject, "Public Baths and Wash-houses" (1906). Spalding likewise specialised in this building type. Earlier works by Spalding partnerships in London—on Buckingham Palace Road and Finchley Road, both designed in partnership with Auld—no longer survive. Camberwell Baths and Dulwich Baths on Goose Green are the earliest surviving works of Spalding partnerships.