Historical information

W.D. Vaughan in 'Kew's Civic Century' (1960) recounts debate in Council from 1912 about the need for a swimming pool. The first step toward achieving this occurred in 1914 when Council purchased the Tramways Sheds on the corner of High and Disraeli Streets in 1914. Further adjoining land was compulsorily acquired in 1923. The final plans were accepted in 1925 and Messrs. Weavill & Keast were appointed to construct the pool at a cost of 5,418/9/-. The Municipal Baths were formally opened on 18 November 1925 by George Ramsay, Mayor of Kew. [The Kew Swimming Club was founded in the same year.] Since its opening in 1925, the Kew Baths [ie, the Kew Swimming Pool] have been redeveloped on a number of occasions, including in the 2020s. During its long and chequered history, countless children learned to swim there. Local schools also used the Municipal Baths for competitive events.

Physical description

Small, undated black and white snapshot a man, possibly a coach, and two children at the Kew Swimming Pool in High Street, Kew.

Inscriptions & markings

Verso: 'Kew Swimming Club"