Forum Topic

Putney Pool

Recently opened at the V&A in its top floor architectural section is "Into the Blue: The Origin and Revival of Pools, Swimming Baths and Lidos.  Dryburgh Road pool has pride of place. Built in 1962 it is "the best example of modernist style, municipal public baths from the post war era. Located within a residential area, it has carefully preserved a number of mature plane trees."

Hugh Thompson ● 2667d7 Comments

Hugh, we had a lovely open air pool next to Rosslyn Park, Priory Lane end. I would come out of school and use it and weekends the family would go over there. Also a Private Pool for celebrities like Arthur Askey. They had a cafe, grass surround, changing rooms etc. They then built flats, opposite the Lennox.

Barbara Stevens ● 2667d

I swam in that pool-loved its slide-but now sold off for social housing-cant complain. Before I went to V&A  today swam in the Serpentine,

Hugh Thompson ● 2667d

@Anyone, Any idea the nearest open air pool or Lido?There is Pools on the park at Richmond - I guess this is the nearest?

Paul Game ● 2667d

Well, is Tooting nearby on your personal map?:-https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tooting_Bec_LidoThere used to be a nearer Pool in St George's Park. See the first image in this article:-https://londonist.com/2015/07/50-years-of-the-boroughs-take-pleasure-in-your-leisureThis pool was opened by the council in 1938 (designed by Wandsworth Borough Architect Ernest J Elford - just imagine that!), privatised in 1985 and permanently closed in 1993.

David Ainsworth ● 2667d

Talk of the lake in Wimbledon Park  being open for swimming... does anyone remember swimming in the art nouveau pools in Wandsworth High Street and similar in North End Road?That model still exists next to Chelsea Town Hall.

Hugh Thompson ● 2666d

I learnt to swim in the pools at the bottom of Wandsworth High Street and enjoyed the freedom at both of the open-air pools at King Georges Park and Roehampton.WELL DONE WANDSWORTH COUNCIL FOR SHUTTING ALL FOUR !Whilst  I am at it......The borough has NO CROQUET LAWNS or PETANQUE TERRAINS at all of which the council HAS been told.

Lyn Clark ● 2666d

From 1899:-"A Commodious Establishment to be Erected in the High Street."https://www.victorianlondon.org/health/wandsworthbath.htm

David Ainsworth ● 2666d