Leeds Buildings Temple Works
Naomi Rainey looks at the historic Holbeck mill
Leeds Buildings: Temple Works
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The current regeneration of Holbeck has shone a spotlight on to the area and its buildings. Formerly a centre of manufacturing, Holbeck’s subsequent industrial decline saw many of the 18th and 19th century foundries, mills and warehouses demolished or irreparably damaged through neglect. Yet nestled amongst the old terraces and new developments of the area there are a series of architectural gems. One such structure is Temple Works. Situated on Marshall Street and notable for its beautiful Egyptian inspired façade, the Grade I listed building has a vivid, quirky heritage that makes it a truly iconic site.
Built at the height of the Industrial Revolution, Temple Works was constructed over four years between 1836 and 1840, with adjacent offices following in 1843. The building’s unique frontage was designed by renowned Egyptologist, Joseph Bonomi the Younger. Taking its inspiration from the Temple of Horus in Edfu, Egypt, the six columns closely replicate the courtyard of the ancient relic. The chimney stack was also designed to pay homage to the classic Egyptian form of the obelisk. Developer and builder John Marshall chose Bonomi the Younger as designer for the project due to his interest in the ancient civilisation.
When it opened in 1841, Temple Works functioned as a flax mill, earning the alternative names of Temple Mill and Marshall Mill. Said to be the biggest single room in the world at the time it was built, the design was not its only curiosity – the grass-covered roof served as a site for grazing sheep from the area. This surprising feature served an important purpose, as the insulation of the grass above served to retain humidity in the mill. This prevented the linen thread from becoming dried out, and therefore made it easier to work with. Rumour has it that one unfortunate worker met their end when a wandering sheep tumbled through the roof to the factory floor below. It is unknown whether the sheep survived.
The building continued to serve as a flax mill until 1886, when it was transformed into a clothing factory. From then the building has had a number of other purposes, including housing the offices of a mail order company until 2004. After four years of disuse, a potential tragedy occurred in December 2008 when one of the 18 ornate stone pillars that run round the building collapsed. As a result, a large slab of millstone grit stone was thrown into Marshall Street. A night security guard had been present at the time but was unhurt, and it was unclear how the collapse occurred. An arch which had been supported by the pillar bowed and threatened to fall further, which would have caused extensive damage and rendered the area hazardous. However, no further deterioration occured and plans were drawn up in consultation with English Heritage to restore the building to its former glory. A spokesman for the mill owners, SJS Property, credited the quality design and construction of the building with stopping any further damage from being caused.
Currently the home to Temple Works art centre, this famous Leeds landmark has proven itself capable of enduring a host of crises over its 170 year history, most recently the effects of urban decline and a biting national recession. Runner-up in the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Leeds’ Favourite Building 2009 competition, Temple Works inspires pride in the area and its heritage. As Holbeck enters a phase of development and renewal, this architectural icon is sure to have the character and resilience to survive.
Marshall Street, off Water Lane, Holbeck. Leeds, LS11 9YJ, www.templeworksleeds.com
Posted on Wednesday 18th August 2010
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