Murals

Kenneth Barden – Pond Life, Halifax

Listing: Unlisted
Condition: Condition unknown
Material Type: Tile
Building Type: Sports
Artist / Designer: Kenneth Barden
Owners: Calderdale Council
Address: Halifax Pool, Prescott Street, Halifax HX1 2JN
Local Authority: Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council
County: West Yorkshire
Country: England

The interior of Halifax swimming pool – built in the 1960s – features two ceramic murals by Kenneth Barden depicting British pond life. The murals are collages of different plants and insects, layered in a geometric motif with vibrant blues, reds, purples and greens. The aquatic theme ties in with the building’s function and creates a lively backdrop to the diving pool.

C20 Society submitted an unsuccessful listing application for the building in 2020 but approval was given in 2025 for demolition with the murals likely to be lost after recording.