The Lumsdale valley is a place filled with crumbling walls, waterwheels, ponds and water falls. The natural beauty of nature has intertwined with the industrial remains from the site. The industrial archeological site can be best described as an ‘oasis of romantic decay’. The seven mills that remain have been preserved by the Arkwright society. During the 18th century the need for water power reached its summit. The valley attracted investment on a large scale as entrepreneurs would contend for land to which they could build their own cotton mills. Subsequently to this the mills were used for various functions such as cotton spinning, bleaching and grinding corn, bone and minerals for paint manufacture. Unfortunately in the 1930s the use of site had ceased. This was due to the buildings in the upper valley falling out of use, resulting in a derelict and disused location. In 1930 Marjorie Mills bought the land in order to ensure its preservation. She wanted to retain the natural look of the densely wooded valley, with the greenery forming part of the disused structures. By her refusing to allow the demolition of key areas she had found that in 1976 the overgrowing and decaying nature had started to become hazardous to the wider area. The structures near the main roads were at risk of dilapidation, the dams that would retain the ponds had to be either repaired or deconstructed, those problems had to be thought about in relation to the increasing consciousness of the archeological importance of the Lumsdale mills and water courses. The Arkwright society was given the lease for most of the estate belonging to Marjorie Mills. This was based upon the provided condition of preserving the valley. In 1979 the community called the Arkwright society was formed. The main ethos of the society in relation to the valley was to preserve and retain the mills and the other buildings in their picturesque conditions. The public would have full access to as much of the site as possible; providing the safety element of paths, fencing and stiles built. And also, the charm of the trees were to be preserved where ever the trees were not endangering the structures or the safety of the public (Cromford Mills, 2014).
The bone mill has a dark and enchanting atmosphere even when the sun shines it remains extremely delicate in a way that seems to be not of this world because of the surrounding trees. As you walk through the mills views to the descending picturesque waterfalls can be seen. The waterfalls were used for the water mill and the flour mill. The Wishing Stone, also situated on the site has tales and many local legends centred around it. One of which is if touched it will grant you what ever you wish for (Savidge, 2012).
"By a narrow passage opposite the Congregational Church in Chesterfield Road a path is entered leading across several fields. At the sixth field turn to the left along a grassy path to Hurst Farm. Round this farm to the right by some cottages, and through a field to the mass of rock known as the Wishing Stone. The views from this height will tempt the visitor to linger. The return can be made by a path on the right, down the hill from the Wishing Stone to Lumsdale first mill; and by keeping to the road, to a stile at the lower end of the Dale, which leads across the fields to Matlock Bank” (Andrews, 2014).
In conclusion, by researching into the history of Lumsdale valley I have gained ideas of experimenting with shape, form and void; to see how natural forms can be incorporated into the building design. Based upon the research one key theme I have found is about connecting with the environment. Perhaps the design produced could focus on creating both physical and visual connection through architecture. Another element is the idea of incorporating bone. As bone was a key material used for manufacturing ideas have been gained to incorporate bone into the facades of the design, to reinforce and create historical links with the disused mills in the valley. The quote describes the journey to the Wishing Stone and the ways the view entice visitors to absorb the breath taking views. In relation to the project this historical research has improved my understanding of the site and particular features. It has enabled me to look at ways to to create enchanting and captivating views.
The ideas mentioned will enable me to produce a concept that has 'distinctive' features but convey an 'appropriate' atmosphere and character.
The bone mill has a dark and enchanting atmosphere even when the sun shines it remains extremely delicate in a way that seems to be not of this world because of the surrounding trees. As you walk through the mills views to the descending picturesque waterfalls can be seen. The waterfalls were used for the water mill and the flour mill. The Wishing Stone, also situated on the site has tales and many local legends centred around it. One of which is if touched it will grant you what ever you wish for (Savidge, 2012).
"By a narrow passage opposite the Congregational Church in Chesterfield Road a path is entered leading across several fields. At the sixth field turn to the left along a grassy path to Hurst Farm. Round this farm to the right by some cottages, and through a field to the mass of rock known as the Wishing Stone. The views from this height will tempt the visitor to linger. The return can be made by a path on the right, down the hill from the Wishing Stone to Lumsdale first mill; and by keeping to the road, to a stile at the lower end of the Dale, which leads across the fields to Matlock Bank” (Andrews, 2014).
In conclusion, by researching into the history of Lumsdale valley I have gained ideas of experimenting with shape, form and void; to see how natural forms can be incorporated into the building design. Based upon the research one key theme I have found is about connecting with the environment. Perhaps the design produced could focus on creating both physical and visual connection through architecture. Another element is the idea of incorporating bone. As bone was a key material used for manufacturing ideas have been gained to incorporate bone into the facades of the design, to reinforce and create historical links with the disused mills in the valley. The quote describes the journey to the Wishing Stone and the ways the view entice visitors to absorb the breath taking views. In relation to the project this historical research has improved my understanding of the site and particular features. It has enabled me to look at ways to to create enchanting and captivating views.
The ideas mentioned will enable me to produce a concept that has 'distinctive' features but convey an 'appropriate' atmosphere and character.
Bibliography
Cotton Industry and the industrial revolution
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/cotton_industrial_revolution.htm
Andrews, A., 2014. The Wishing Stone [Online]. Available at: http://www.andrewsgen.com/matlock/pix/matlock_wishingstone1.htm [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Cromford Mills., 2014. Lumsdale [Online] Available at: http://cromfordmills.org.uk/content/lumsdale [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Savidge, S., 2012. An Enchanted Walk in One of Derbyshire’s Secret Places. Savidge Reads. [Online Blog]. 13 September. Available at: https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/tag/lumsdale-mills/ [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Bibliography
Figure 1. Savidge, S., 2012. 046 [Bone Mill]. Savidge Reads. [Online Image]. 13 September. Available at: https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/tag/lumsdale-mills/ [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Figure 2. Savidge, S., 2012. 049 [Waterfall]. Savidge Reads. [Online Image]. 13 September. Available at: https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/tag/lumsdale-mills/ [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Figure 3. Andrews, A., 1948. "The Wishing Stone, Matlock" [Online Image]. Available at: http://www.andrewsgen.com/matlock/pix/matlock_wishingstone1.htm [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Cotton Industry and the industrial revolution
http://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/cotton_industrial_revolution.htm
Andrews, A., 2014. The Wishing Stone [Online]. Available at: http://www.andrewsgen.com/matlock/pix/matlock_wishingstone1.htm [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Cromford Mills., 2014. Lumsdale [Online] Available at: http://cromfordmills.org.uk/content/lumsdale [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Savidge, S., 2012. An Enchanted Walk in One of Derbyshire’s Secret Places. Savidge Reads. [Online Blog]. 13 September. Available at: https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/tag/lumsdale-mills/ [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Bibliography
Figure 1. Savidge, S., 2012. 046 [Bone Mill]. Savidge Reads. [Online Image]. 13 September. Available at: https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/tag/lumsdale-mills/ [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Figure 2. Savidge, S., 2012. 049 [Waterfall]. Savidge Reads. [Online Image]. 13 September. Available at: https://savidgereads.wordpress.com/tag/lumsdale-mills/ [Accessed: 5 April 2015].
Figure 3. Andrews, A., 1948. "The Wishing Stone, Matlock" [Online Image]. Available at: http://www.andrewsgen.com/matlock/pix/matlock_wishingstone1.htm [Accessed: 5 April 2015].