Wash Day: Our Hair, Water & History
What do hair, heritage and swimming have in common? More than you might think. When I began developing Wash Day: Our Hair, Water & History at Bramley Baths, I knew I wanted to create something that went beyond a hair workshop or a trip to the pool. I wanted to explore the stories that sit between the two. Our relationships with water, the rituals and memories connected to Black and textured hair, and some of the reasons why getting into a swimming pool has not always felt simple or welcoming for everyone.
Behind the scenes, I’ve been researching Black people’s relationship with water across generations, alongside the history of hair care, swimming and access to public spaces. One thing that became really important was making the event feel celebratory as well as informative. Wash day itself can be a whole ritual, the products, the combs, the conversations, the sitting between somebody’s knees while they tackle your hair! Those everyday experiences are part of our heritage too. Bringing those stories into Bramley Baths, a building with more than 120 years of its own social history, felt like a really interesting way of asking: who has felt welcome in spaces like this, and how can we make sure more people do now?
On the day, Hair by Rhonda will lead an interactive session exploring Afro and curly hair care, protective styles and practical advice for looking after hair around swimming. Alongside the workshop, I’m transforming parts of the Baths with an exhibition exploring hair, water and history, with visual installations and photography helping to bring those stories to life. And because I love the little details that make an event memorable, there are a few surprises planned too. The afternoon will then finish in the best possible way… by getting into the water for a community swim.
Wash Day: Our Hair, Water & History takes place at Bramley Baths on Saturday 3 October, with the workshop during the afternoon followed by the community swim from 5pm–6pm. The event is open to people of all hair types, and children are very welcome. This isn’t about telling one community’s story in isolation, but creating an opportunity to learn, share experiences and enjoy this incredible historic building together.
The event forms part of Bramley Baths’ heritage programme and has been made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.