Did you know that this building behind me is more than just an old swimming school? It is the Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics. It stands as a testament to a time when public hygiene and sports were beginning to intertwine.
Let’s dive into the story of this remarkable place. The Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics was conceived in 1890. The municipal council decided to build it. It was designed by the hygiene engineer Edmond Philippe. This was only the second example of his work in the region.
Edmond Philippe was quite the expert. He also designed public bath and swimming pool concessions for municipalities. His company was named Société anonyme des bains et lavoirs économiques in 1902.
The Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics offered both a swimming pool and public baths. This combination was common at the end of the 19th century. It reflected two emerging trends. These trends were the rise of competitive swimming and a growing municipal focus. The focus was on providing access to personal hygiene.
The Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics in Armentières was not alone. It was part of a wave of early public pools in the Nord region. These included Armentières in 1890, Douai in 1895 and Dunkerque in 1896. Before these pools, swimmers trained in canals. However, competitive swimming required covered pools. These pools allowed year-round training and performance measurement. The first French swimming championships took place in 1899.
Interestingly, the Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics also served a vital social purpose. It provided public baths to promote hygiene. This was especially important for the working classes in cities. For a small fee, people could access a bath or shower cabin. Tourcoing was among the first municipalities in the region to offer this service. Others included Armentières, Douai, Dunkerque and Lille. Paris did not open inexpensive public bathhouses until 1899.
The Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics was rebuilt in 1923. This happened after its destruction during World War I. Built of brick, it stands at a street corner.
Take a closer look at the facade. The facades and roofs are listed as historical monuments. However, the pool’s roof is an exception. The chimney and entrance are also protected. These elements secured its place in history. It was officially listed in 2003.
The Ancienne école de natation Bains et lavoir publics stands as a reminder. It reminds us of a time when cities recognized the importance of both public health and recreation. It is a unique piece of architectural and social history.