Exploring the Versatility of Vertical Blinds for Modern Homes in Bolton
Benefits of Vertical Blinds in Modern Home Design
Enhanced Light Control
Vertical blinds provide a versatile solution for managing natural light in modern homes. With the ability to adjust their angle, these blinds allow homeowners in Bolton to control the amount of sunlight entering a room with precision. This feature is especially beneficial for creating the perfect ambiance in living spaces, reducing glare on screens and protecting furniture from UV damage.
Aesthetic Versatility
Incorporating vertical blinds into home design offers a sleek and contemporary look that complements various interior styles. Available in an array of materials like wood, fabric, and metal, they cater to diverse aesthetic preferences while adding a touch of elegance. Their clean lines and structured appearance can enhance the overall visual appeal of any modern home.
Space Optimization
Vertical blinds are ideal for large windows and sliding doors commonly found in modern architecture. Unlike traditional horizontal options, they don’t occupy additional space when opened fully, making them perfect for compact areas or rooms where maximizing floor space is essential. This feature ensures they integrate seamlessly with open-concept designs without obstructing movement or views.
Low Maintenance and Durability
Manufactured using robust materials designed to withstand daily wear and tear, vertical blinds are known for their durability. They require minimal maintenance—often just a simple wipe-down—to keep them looking pristine. In effect this means that homeowners can enjoy both functionality and longevity without frequent replacements or labor-intensive upkeep tasks.
What is Window blind
Window Blinds Bolton are a type of window covering designed to manage light and privacy for interior spaces. They typically consist of several long horizontal or vertical slats made from materials such as wood, plastic, or metal, held together by cords running through the slats. These blinds can be adjusted manually or with a remote control to tilt open and closed, allowing control over the amount of light entering a room. While traditional blinds use slats, other window coverings known as shades utilize a single piece of soft material. The term "window blinds" can also refer broadly to various types of window treatments, including shutters, roller shades, cellular shades (or honeycomb shades), Roman shades, and both standard vertical and horizontal Venetians.
Blinds are available in ready-made sizes or can be custom-made to fit specific window dimensions. They come in a variety of styles, colors, patterns, and materials to suit different aesthetic preferences and functional needs. Popular styles include panel blinds (similar to Japanese shōji screens), roller blinds made from fabric around a roller mechanism, Venetian blinds with overlapping horizontal slats, and vertical blinds which operate along tracks.
Modern advancements allow some blinds to be automated for ease of use and integration into smart home systems. This automation helps in managing heat loss during winter or minimizing solar heat gain during summer months.
Safety is an important consideration with corded window blinds due to potential strangulation hazards for children; therefore, cordless options are recommended in homes where children reside or visit.
Overall, window blinds provide an effective solution for controlling light exposure while adding decorative elements to windows across residential and commercial properties.
Historical facts about Window blind
Window blinds have a long and varied history as a means of window covering, serving both functional and aesthetic purposes. Here are some historical facts about window blinds:
Origins and Early Use: The concept of using materials to cover windows can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who used reeds to shield their homes from the sun, and the Chinese, who employed bamboo slats.
Venetian Blinds: Venetian blinds are one of the most well-known styles, consisting of horizontal slats that can be adjusted for light control. This style became popular in the 18th century and is named after Venetian traders who were thought to have introduced them to Europe.
19th Century Popularity: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Venetian blinds gained popularity in office settings for their ability to regulate light and air. Notably, they were installed in large modern complexes like New York City's RCA Building (Radio City) at Rockefeller Center in the 1930s.
Empire State Building: One of the largest orders for Venetian blinds was made by the Burlington Venetian Blind Co., which supplied them for the Empire State Building's windows.
Innovations: In 1994, a new design integrating Venetian blinds with window glass panels was patented to address issues related to damage and fouling.
Vertical Blinds: Introduced in 1948 by Hunter Douglas' Flexible Blind Company, vertical blinds offered an alternative to traditional draperies with their sleek design and energy efficiency.
Modern Adaptations: Modern homes now often incorporate motorized or automated blind systems that can be controlled via remote or integrated smart home systems.
Safety Concerns: Corded window blinds have historically posed strangulation hazards to children, leading safety commissions like the US CPSC to recommend cordless designs where children live or visit.
Material Evolution: While originally made from natural materials like wood, modern blinds often use synthetic materials such as PVC or aluminum for durability and moisture resistance.
Cultural Variants: Different regions have unique adaptations; for example, panel blinds inspired by Japanese shōji screens are sometimes referred to as Japanese blinds due to their cultural origin.
These historical insights reflect how window blinds have evolved over time from simple functional coverings into sophisticated components of interior design with safety features tailored for modern living spaces.
Type of window covering
"Blinds" redirects here. For other uses, see Blinds (disambiguation).
"Venetian blind" redirects here. For the novel, see Venetian Blind (novel). For the video game, see Venetian Blinds (video game).
"Windowshade" redirects here. For the Mac OS feature, see WindowShade.
For the desktop theming software, see WindowBlinds.
Various window blind styles
A window blind is a type of window covering.[1] There are many different kinds of window blinds which use a variety of control systems. A typical window blind is made up of several long horizontal or vertical slats of various types of hard material, including wood, plastic or metal which are held together by cords that run through the blind slats. Vertical blinds run along a track system which can tilt open and closed and move side-to-side. Window blinds can be manoeuvred with either a manual or remote control by rotating them from an open position, with slats spaced out, to a closed position where slats overlap and block out most of the light. There are also several types of window coverings, called shades, that use a single piece of soft material instead of slats.
The term window blinds can also be used to describe window coverings more broadly. In this context window blinds include almost every type of window covering, whether it is a hard or soft material; i.e. shutters, roller shades, cellular shades (also called honeycomb shades), wood blinds, Roman shades, standard vertical, and horizontal blinds (also called Venetians). In the United Kingdom, awnings are sometimes called blinds or shades.
Overview
[edit]
Window blinds stopper. An old window part to prevent open window blinds from closing. From the Sarona Museum in Israel.
Window blinds are generally sold as either ready-made or made to measure. As the names suggest, blinds that are ready-made are manufactured to set sizes based on typical window dimensions, whereas blinds that are made to a measurement are cut to a specific width and drop to match the window. The advantage of ready-made blinds is their availability and cost, whereas blinds that are made to measure will be more expensive but better fit the dimensions of a window.
Aside from coming in different dimensions, window blinds can also come in a variety of different styles, materials, colours and patterns. Below is a list of several popular styles of blinds:
Panel
Pleated
Roller
Roman
Venetian
Vertical
Wooden
Window blinds can be drawn manually using a cord, or automated through motorization. Controls for motorized blinds can be from a wall switch or keypad, remote control, or computer, eliminating the need for cords and allowing control of otherwise inaccessible windows. A number of modern homes are integrating blind control with central C-Bus solutions. This control provides ease of use and is effective for controlling blind operation to reduce heat loss during winter or minimize heat from the sun during summer.[citation needed]
Types
[edit]
Panel
[edit]
Panel blinds, sometimes referred to as Japanese blinds as they are based on Japanese shōji, are thin blinds in a panel shape that run along a track. Almost any fabric or paper can be employed, although 90% of all shoji blinds use white polyester to imitate 'washi' Japanese paper.[clarification needed]
Japanese shoji blinds in Nottingham, UK
Cellular shades
[edit]
Cellular shades, also called honeycomb shades, hanging in a window
Cellular shades or cellular blinds, sometimes referred to as honeycomb shades, are a type of window blind made of a long and continuous fabric with a cellular structure when opened and fold onto themselves when closed. The honeycomb shades were introduced in 1985.[2] The fabric is often made from soft paper or cloth-like material and is available in a variety of different structures including single cell, double cell or triple cell. Cellular blinds work by trapping air inside the cell structure once opened and create a barrier between the window surface and the room. Due to the unavailability of standardized tests, no ranking system currently exists to compare the efficacy of these blinds.
Windows and doors make up for almost one-third of a home's total thermal loss, according to the Department of Energy (United Kingdom).[3] This applies to heat loss in winter as well as entry of undesired heat in summer. When air inside the room comes in contact with windows, it is cooled or warmed. By convection, this air then circulates around the room. Cell shapes in the blinds hold trapped air and create a barrier between the window surface and the room, thus lessening the transfer of heat. Shades, however, provide only slight control of air infiltration.[4]
In common with all blinds, cellular shades can reduce solar gain in summer and provide room darkening or blackout for sleeping. Like most other window treatments, they are raised and lowered with a string. Cordless cellular shades are available to reduce the risk of strangulation for small children.[5] One may also have the option of lowering the top of the shade down, and/or the bottom of the shade up; commonly referred to as a Top-Down-Bottom-Up mechanism.
Roman
[edit]
Roman shades are a type of window blind used to help block out the sun. Although often called blinds, these are actually referred to as "shades" in the window covering industry. They are often referred to as Romans or Roman blinds in the UK. When opened, the Romans stack up evenly; when covering the full window height, they are smooth without overlapping.
Roman blinds can be purchased with a blackout lining on the back to fully block out sunlight. However, there will always be small light gaps on the edges of the blinds if mounted on the inside of the window frame or peeking out from behind the blind if mounted on the frame around the window.
Unlike other blinds, such as certain fabrics used for roller shades, vinyl vertical blinds, or vinyl horizontal blinds, Roman shades are not an ideal option for areas with a lot of moisture, such as bathrooms or windows above a kitchen sink.
Independence Hall
Roller
[edit]
Roller blinds are a type of window blind that is typically made from a polyester fabric wrapped around a plastic or metal roller. The roller may either be exposed or enclosed inside of a frame and can be placed at the top of the window recess or outside of the recess. To control the roller blind there is typically a chain or string on either side of the blind. When the side chain is pulled one direction the roller will raise, and if pulled in the opposite direction it will lower instead.
Some manufacturers also produce a version of roller blinds with two layers of fabric, sometimes referred to as double roller blinds, for even greater control of light filtration through a window. Typically, one layer will be made of a sheer fabric that can be used to reduce glare, with a second layer that typically includes a blackout lining for even greater filtration when necessary.
Venetian
[edit]
Venetian blinds
A Venetian blind is a type of window blind made from overlapping horizontal slats that are typically lowered and drawn together by pulling a cord.[6] The slats are typically manufactured using a rigid material such as aluminium, plastic, or wood and move in unison through a series of wires that run through the blinds.
1841 for modern style blinds able to be held at angles and adjustable by strings
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Venetian blinds were widely adopted in office buildings to regulate light and air. A large modern complex in the US that adopted Venetian blinds was Rockefeller Center's RCA Building (better known as the Radio City building) in New York City, completed in the 1930s. One of the largest orders for Venetian blinds ever placed was to the Burlington Venetian Blind Co., of Burlington, Vermont, which supplied blinds for the windows of the Empire State Building in New York City.[7][8]
In 1994, a design for Venetian blinds integrated with window glass panels was patented.[9] This new type of blind overcomes the problems related to damaging and fouling. Usually, magnets are used for motor transmission in order to preserve the sealing inside the insulating glass.[citation needed]
Vertical
[edit]
Vertical blinds, vanes are rotated to semi-closed position
Vertical blinds were introduced in 1948 (Flexible Blind Company, Hunter Douglas[10]), and gained acceptance as an alternative to draperies due to the streamlined look, versatility, energy efficiency, large variety of finishes.[11] The construction includes a horizontal (occasionally, in custom designs, tilted) track with moving carriers and vertical strips, called vanes, hanging off the carriers[12] (attached by clips). The vanes can rotate, changing the amount of light entering the room, and, when in open position, traverse the track (and thus be stacked compactly on one side of the window). When closed, the vanes tightly overlap, creating a good barrier against the sunlight penetration in summer and energy loss in winter.[11]
Unlike horizontal blinds, vertical blinds are less likely to collect dust because they stand vertically. Since they draw to the side rather than lifting and lowering, they are easier and faster to operate. They operate best on patio doors and sliding windows that slide from side to side. In the 1970s there were few choices of fabric- usually beige or white, which had to have stiffener embedded to prevent fraying, rather like on roller blinds fabric but using a thicker textile.
Vertical blinds became available in flat plastic (PVC), fabric, embossed PVC, also S-curved slats. A more modern modification is to offer them with wood trim at the top and bottom—sometimes midway as well—and these are usually described as "Japanese Vertical blinds" because they are often coordinated with Japanese style Shoji blinds using the same timber. Vertical blinds were most popular in the UK during the 1990s, since then sales have slowed as they lost popularity with a younger generation.
Stationary vertical blinds are hung in the doorways of some homes and businesses which generally leave the door open. Movement of the blind may signal a change in airflow, or someone entering the doorway. More commonly, however, these vertical blinds are made of thick plastic. In the cold rooms of food businesses, this slows the heat leakage into the cold room. In warmer climates, vertical blinds discourage flies and some other insects from entering the building.
In certain areas of the UK window blinds are used to disguise the fact that offices have PCs in them and are used as a burglary deterrent.
Others
[edit]
Pleated blind
Other varieties of window blinds include mini blinds (typically aluminum, Venetian-Style blinds with very narrow slats, usually 25 mm or 1 inch wide), micro blinds (usually 13 mm or 1⁄2 inch wide), louvers, jalousies, brise soleil and pleated blinds.
Materials
[edit]
Blinds can be made in a variety of materials; some expensive and some less so. Less expensive blinds are usually made in polyester, aluminum, or PVC. These are inexpensive materials that are all easily accessible and yet durable at the same time.
A window blind is a means of screening a window, achieving similar results to those obtained by fitting curtains. Blinds are typically the same width and height as the window itself or slightly wider and taller—depending on whether they are fixed inside (Recess) or outside (Facefix) the window's reveal (i.e. the wall recess within which the window itself is fixed).
Window blinds have varying thermal effects: they can block unwanted heat of the summer sun and they can keep in heat in cold weather. But in both of these applications, they also reduce light to varying degrees, depending on the design. Many kinds of blinds attempt varying balances of privacy and shade. Blinds can be made of a number of different materials and manufactured in a number of different ways. This usually determines the name by which the blind is commonly known.
Fabric
[edit]
Blinds (otherwise referred to as "shades") made of fabric can either be rolled up (on a tube; Roller shades), folded up (Roman shades) or pushed up in an accordion style (Pleated and Cellular shades). Many fabrics are used including cotton, polyester, wool, viscose and silk to create these shades. A silk cloth can be present or embroidery stitch, which will give tissue varied terrain.
Wood
[edit]
Wood blinds on an outside windowNet blind on a wooden window, Bengaluru, India
Wooden blinds (Venetian blinds)
[edit]
Wooden blinds are generally known as Venetian blinds. A number of horizontal wooden slats are joined by corded pulleys which can either gather all the slats at the top of the window to reveal the view or simply angle the slats while allowing some light to travel through the blind yet retaining some level of privacy. Wooden blinds come in a number of finishes (determined by the type of wood used, which ranges from painted to most types of solid oak varieties) and sizes (determined by the width of each slat which is usually available in one of three widths—25 mm [1 in], 35 mm [1+1⁄2 in], or 50 mm [2 in]). Wooden Venetian blinds are also available as vertical blinds. These are usually made up of wider slats and operate in virtually the same way as their horizontal counterparts (i.e. instead of drawing upwards to reveal the window, they draw to one side gathering in a vertical bunch).
Pinoleum blinds
[edit]
Pinoleum blinds are made up of small wooden twigs laid horizontally which are joined by vertical threading. The resulting weave is, as a result, only flexible vertically and can be drawn upwards once manufactured as a roller blind or in a similar fashion to a Venetian blind. Conservatory blinds are often made with Pinoleum.
In Malaysia, an outdoor blind is sometimes called a "chik". The word was carried over from India by the British during the colonial times.
Faux wood
[edit]
Faux wood blinds are an alternative to real wood blinds. Faux wood is also known by the trade name Plaswood (a portmanteau of plastic & wood). Made of a composite of man-made materials and natural wood particles, faux wood can be a less expensive choice than natural wood. These blinds have become more popular as the products have matured, becoming cheaper and more versatile at the same time offering more of a natural wood look. Current faux wood blinds are warp resistant, have UV ratings as high as 500 and come in colors that would be hard to find in natural wood blinds.
Because of their resistance to warping, faux wood window blinds are suitable for areas with extreme temperature swings or high moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Venetian blinds, both horizontal and vertical, are available in a number of man-made materials (either resembling wood or metal or simply plastic). These are better suited to areas where moisture or direct contact with water is likely to cause a problem, such as bathrooms and kitchens. These blinds are often available with micro slats (as small as 16 mm or 5⁄8 in or less). The result of smaller slats is that more have to be used to obscure the window completely. Conservatory blinds (i.e. ceiling fixed via a number of horizontal pulleys) are often made of man-made materials.
Safety
[edit]
Corded window blinds present a strangulation hazard to children, causing 184 deaths in the United States between 1996 and 2012.[13] Recalls of window covering products have not significantly reduced the number of deaths since 1980. Retrofit kits have been used since 1995 to "reduce" the strangulation hazard; however, children have strangled on retrofit kits since 1995.[14] The US CPSC recommends using cordless or cord-free window coverings where children live or visit.[15] For window coverings that use continuous-loop cord systems, like vertical blinds, a wall cord cleat can be used to anchor the cord tightly to the wall and prevent children from having access to the dangling cord loop. Window blinds slats are held together with cords that allow for tilting slats, raising or lowering, and these are potentially dangerous if loose. As an added precaution, cord stops should be installed correctly and adjusted to restrict the movement of inner lift cords.[16]
Vehicle blinds
[edit]
This section does not cite any sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.(January 2017) (Learn how and when to remove this message)
Shades on a United Airlines Boeing 747-400
Some vehicles include or are retrofitted with sun blinds for rear and rear side windows. See also car glass. These blinds are used to protect the vehicle and the passengers from direct sunlight.
Car shades are another common way to protect the vehicle. The shades for the rear and front windows are designed to be unfolded and sit against the window. They can be made of plastic or cardboard. The shades that go on the side windows of a vehicle are usually attached using either suction cups or static cling.
Solid fabric and slat car blinds have given way to cheaper and more flexible, folding, wire-framed "dark-stocking" synthetic blinds. These are used where the car owner has not dark-tinted the glass of the car windows enough, or during the day, by drivers or passengers seeking more privacy.
Most commercial airliners feature window blinds in the passenger cabin. These blinds are generally made of plastic and are usually closed during cruises. In a first for the aviation industry, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner lacks window blinds – instead, the airliner features an advanced window dimming system that serves the same purpose.
Gallery
[edit]
Examples
Roller blinds installed in a kitchen
Close-up of a track blind, also known as vertical drapes
Track blind
Blind with horizontal slats also, known as Venetian blind
Detail of turning rod (blind stick) attachment on miniblind
A roller blind on a door as a perfect fit roller blind
Facade of a modern residential building with automated blinds
See also
[edit]
Curtain
Home automation
Mini blind
Robotic window cleaner
Sudare
Window treatment
References
[edit]
^"Definition of window blind". The Free Dictionary By Farlex. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
^Madill 1995, p. 24.
^"Update or replace windows". energy.gov. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
^"Energy Efficient Window Coverings". Retrieved 9 December 2021.
^Safety Alert: Are Your Window Coverings Safe?, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (retrieved 15 April 2015)
^"Venetian blind Definition & Meaning". dictionary.com. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
^"—and in the Empire State Building", an advertisement for Burlington Venetian Blind Co., in American Architect and Architecture, January 1932, p. 93.
^"Manufacturing in the Maple-Kilburn Area of Burlington, Vermont". uvm.edu. Retrieved 11 December 2021.
^EP 0589496, Berti, Bruno, "Double-glazed windows with venetian blinds", published 30 March 1994, assigned to BERTI Srl
^Abercrombie 1995, p. 250.
^ abMadill 1995, p. 38.
^Madill 1995, p. 39.
^"Window Covering Information Center". U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
^"Minutes of CPSC/Window Cover Manufacturers Meeting" (PDF). 31 March 1994. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
^"CPSC Safety Alert: Are Your Window Coverings Safe?" (PDF). 30 October 2009. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
^"Blind Cord Safety - RoSPA" (PDF). The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. British Blind and Shutter Association. April 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
Sources
[edit]
Madill, Ellen (1995). The Basic Textbook of Window Fashions for Design and Business. G & W McNamara Publishing, Incorporated. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
Abercrombie, S. (1995). George Nelson: The Design of Modern Design. MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-51116-2. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Window blinds at Wikimedia Commons
Authority control databases: National
Germany
United States
Israel
7.1 Enhancing Aesthetic Appeal
Elevating Interior Design
The integration of vertical blinds into modern homes in Bolton offers a transformative aesthetic experience, seamlessly blending functionality with style. These window treatments provide a sleek and streamlined appearance that complements contemporary design trends. The variety of materials, colors, and finishes available allows homeowners to tailor their choice to reflect personal taste and match existing decor. Whether opting for the natural warmth of wooden slats or the minimalist elegance of metal or plastic options, vertical blinds can enhance the visual appeal of any room. Their ability to adjust light levels also adds depth and dimension to spaces, creating an inviting ambiance that is both practical and chic. In effect this means vertical blinds are not just functional but are essential elements in crafting modern interior aesthetics.
7.2 Versatility in Light Control
Adjustable Light Levels
Vertical blinds offer homeowners in Bolton unparalleled versatility when it comes to controlling natural light. With their unique design that allows slats to tilt open or closed, these blinds enable precise regulation of light entering a room. This adaptability is particularly beneficial for modern homes where varying levels of daylight are desired throughout the day, from bright morning sunlight to a softer afternoon glow. Furthermore, the ability to move the blinds side-to-side along their track system provides additional control over privacy and shading, making them an ideal choice for any room.
Seamless Integration with Modern Home Designs
In effect this means vertical blinds not only enhance functional light control but also seamlessly integrate into contemporary home aesthetics in Bolton. Available in a range of materials like wood, plastic, and metal, they can complement various interior styles while maintaining their practical benefits. The option for manual or remote operation adds a layer of convenience that aligns with the demands of modern living. Whether aiming for full illumination or subtle shading, vertical blinds provide a versatile solution that meets both aesthetic and functional needs in today's homes.
7.3 Energy Efficiency and Insulation
Thermal Regulation
Vertical blinds are not just a stylish addition to modern homes in Bolton; they also contribute significantly to energy efficiency. Their design allows homeowners to control the amount of sunlight and heat entering a room. By adjusting the slats, you can reflect sunlight away during hot days, reducing the need for air conditioning, thus saving on energy costs. This capability is particularly beneficial during Bolton's warmer months when managing indoor temperatures becomes crucial.
Insulation Benefits
In colder seasons, vertical blinds act as an additional layer of insulation for windows. When closed, they create a barrier that helps retain heat indoors by reducing drafts and preventing warmth from escaping through window panes. In effect this means homeowners can enjoy reduced heating expenses and maintain cozy interiors even when temperatures drop outside. These energy-saving attributes make vertical blinds an attractive option for those aiming to enhance the sustainability of their homes without compromising on style or functionality.
7.4 Privacy Solutions for Urban Living
Enhancing Privacy with Style
In urban settings like Bolton, where homes are often situated close to one another, maintaining privacy without compromising on style becomes a challenge. Vertical blinds offer a sophisticated solution by providing adjustable coverage that can be tailored to suit the desired level of seclusion while complementing contemporary interior designs. The sleek lines and modern materials used in these blinds add an element of style, ensuring that functionality does not come at the expense of aesthetics.
Customizable Light Control
One of the standout features of vertical blinds is their ability to deliver customizable light control, crucial for urban living where natural sunlight may be limited. The slats can be adjusted to allow varying degrees of light into a room, creating a balance between brightness and privacy. This flexibility is particularly beneficial in densely populated areas, where residents seek both natural illumination and protection from prying eyes.
Innovative Technology Integration
Modern vertical blinds now incorporate innovative technology solutions such as remote controls or smart home integration, offering convenience and enhanced security options for urban dwellers. These advanced systems allow users to adjust their blinds from anywhere within the home or even remotely via smartphone apps. This means homeowners can easily manage their privacy settings with just a touch of a button or voice command.
A Practical Urban Solution
To put it short, vertical blinds provide versatile privacy solutions well-suited for the complexities of urban living in Bolton. They offer an effective blend of design appeal and practical functionality, catering to those who wish to enjoy both private sanctuary and stylish interiors amidst bustling city environments.
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7.5 Material Options for Every Style
Fabric Choices
In Bolton's modern homes, vertical blinds offer a wealth of material options to suit every style and preference. For those seeking a soft touch, fabric vertical blinds provide an elegant and versatile solution, available in various colors and patterns to complement any interior design scheme.
Wooden Elegance
Wood adds a natural warmth and sophisticated charm to any room. Wooden vertical blinds can be an excellent choice for homeowners looking to create a cozy yet contemporary atmosphere. They are particularly popular in living areas where a touch of luxury is desired.
Metal Durability
If durability is at the forefront of your mind, metal vertical blinds are robust and long-lasting. These blinds are ideal for high-traffic areas or spaces that demand resilience without sacrificing style. The metallic sheen also lends a sleek industrial edge to modern homes.
Eco-Friendly Options
For the environmentally conscious homeowner, there are sustainable materials available that do not compromise on aesthetics or functionality. Blinds made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced wood offer peace of mind alongside their stylish appeal.
In effect this means that regardless of whether you desire the softness of fabric, the opulence of wood, or the sturdiness of metal, Bolton's window blind market has something for everyone. With eco-friendly choices also on offer, selecting the perfect material for your home has never been more diverse or considerate.
7.6 Customization Possibilities
Material Choices
Vertical blinds for modern homes in Bolton offer a wide range of material choices, allowing homeowners to tailor their window treatments to suit personal tastes and interior design themes. From the natural warmth of wood to the sleek look of metal or the practicality of PVC, each material provides unique benefits and aesthetic appeal.
Color and Pattern Options
These blinds can be customized in a plethora of colors and patterns, ensuring that they complement any room's decor. Whether opting for bold, vibrant hues or subtle, muted tones, the possibilities are vast. Patterns ranging from minimalist stripes to intricate designs add another layer of personalization.
Size and Configuration
Customization extends beyond aesthetics; vertical blinds can be tailored to fit any window size or configuration. This ensures not only a perfect fit but also optimal functionality. Homeowners can choose from various slat widths and track lengths to accommodate unique architectural features.
Control Mechanisms
Another significant aspect is the choice between manual or remote control mechanisms for operating these blinds. This customization allows residents in Bolton to select options that align with their lifestyle needs—whether it's traditional cord pulls or modern smart home integrations.
As a round up, the customization possibilities for vertical blinds in Bolton are virtually limitless, providing both functional benefits and personalized style options that meet diverse homeowner preferences while enhancing modern living spaces.
7.7 Installation and Maintenance Tips
Installation Tips
When it comes to installing vertical blinds in Bolton's modern homes, precision and preparation are key. Begin by measuring the window frame carefully to ensure a perfect fit; even minor miscalculations can affect the functionality and appearance of your blinds. Use a level to guarantee that the track is straight during installation, as this will prevent any operational issues later on. If you’re opting for a DIY approach, ensure you have all necessary tools available beforehand, such as drills, screws, and brackets specific to vertical blinds. Alternatively, hiring professional installers can save time and ensure a flawless setup.
Maintenance Advice
Maintaining vertical blinds involves regular cleaning and occasional adjustments to keep them looking pristine and operating smoothly. Dusting should be done frequently with a microfiber cloth or duster to prevent buildup on the slats. For deeper cleaning, especially if they’re in high-traffic areas like kitchens or living rooms, remove stains gently using a mild detergent diluted in water. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the material or discolor the blinds over time. In effect this means regular maintenance not only enhances their longevity but also keeps your home looking fresh and stylish year-round.
What are the benefits of using vertical blinds in modern homes?
Vertical blinds offer excellent light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and a sleek, modern aesthetic that complements various interior styles.
How do vertical blinds compare to other types of window treatments?
Vertical blinds provide superior light control and flexibility, making them ideal for large windows or patio doors compared to curtains or horizontal blinds.
Can vertical blinds be customized to fit different window sizes and styles?
Yes, vertical blinds can be tailored to fit any window size or style with a range of materials, colors, and finishes available for customization.
What materials are commonly used for vertical blinds in Bolton homes?
Common materials include fabric, PVC, faux wood, and aluminum, each offering different levels of durability and aesthetic appeal.
Are there any maintenance tips for keeping vertical blinds in good condition?
Regular dusting and occasional gentle cleaning with mild soap can help maintain the appearance and functionality of vertical blinds.
Town in Greater Manchester, England
This article is about the town in Greater Manchester. For other uses, see Bolton (disambiguation).
A former mill town, Bolton has been a centre for textile production since the 14th century when Flemish weavers settled in the area, introducing a wool and cotton-weaving tradition. It was a 19th-century boomtown, development largely coincided with the introduction of textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution. At its peak in 1929, its 216 cotton mills and 26 bleaching and dyeing works made it one of the largest and most productive centres of cotton spinning in the world. The British cotton industry declined sharply after the First World War and, by the 1980s, cotton manufacture had virtually ceased in the town.
The town has a population of 184,073, whilst the wider metropolitan borough has a population of 296,169. Bolton originated as a small settlement in the moorland known as Bolton le Moors. In the English Civil War, the town was a Parliamentarian outpost in 1644 in a staunchly Royalist region and, as a result, the Royalist Prince Rupert of the Rhine led the 1644 storming of Bolton of 3,000 Royalist troops in which is also referred to as The Bolton Massacre, with 1,600 residents perished and 700 were taken prisoner.
Bolton is a common Northern English name derived from the Old Englishbothl-tun, meaning a settlement with a dwelling.[3][4] The first recorded use of the name, in the form Boelton, dates from 1185 to describe Bolton le Moors, though this may not be in relation to a dwelling.[5] It was recorded as Bothelton in 1212, Botelton in 1257, Boulton in 1288, and Bolton after 1307.[6]
Later forms of Botheltun were Bodeltown, Botheltun-le-Moors, Bowelton, Boltune, Bolton-super-Moras, Bolton-in-ye-Moors, Bolton-le-Moors.[7]
The town's motto of Supera Moras means "overcome difficulties" (or "delays"), and is a pun on the Bolton-super-Moras version of the name meaning literally, "Bolton on the moors".[8] The name itself is referred to in the badge of the Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council using a form of visual pun, a rebus, in combining motifs of arrow for 'bolt' and heraldic crown for 'tun', the term for the central high point of a defensive position that is the etymon of the suffix of Bolton.[8]
There is evidence of human existence on the moors around Bolton since the early part of the Bronze Age, including a stone circle on Cheetham Close above Egerton,[9] and Bronze Age burial mounds on Winter Hill.[10] A Bronze Age mound was excavated in Victorian times outside Haulgh Hall. The Romans built roads from Manchester to Ribchester to the east and a road along what is now the A6 to the west. It is claimed that Agricola built a fort at Blackrod by clearing land above the forest. Evidence of a Saxon settlement exists in the form of religious objects found when the Victorian parish church was built.[11]
In 1067 Great Bolton was the property of Roger de Poitou and after 1100, of Roger de Meresheys. Bolton became the property of the Pilkington family until they forfeited the land in the Wars of the Roses. The land was given to the Stanley family and thus the Earls of Derby who became royalists in the English Civil War. The area surrounding Bolton was subsequently divided into four parts including the Stanley family, the Earl of Bradford, a Freeman and various other parties.[12] Great Bolton and Little Bolton were part of the Marsey fee, in 1212 Little Bolton was held by Roger de Bolton as plough-land, by the service of the twelfth part of a knight's fee to Randle de Marsey.[13] The parish church in Bolton has an early foundation although the exact date is unknown; it was given by the lord of the manor to the Gilbertine canons of Mattersey Priory in Nottinghamshire, founded by Roger de Marsey.[14]
A charter to hold a market in Churchgate was granted on 14 December 1251 by King Henry III of England.[15] Bolton became a market town and borough by a charter from the Earl of Derby, William de Ferrers, on 14 January 1253, and a market was held until the 18th century. Burgage plots were laid out on Churchgate and Deansgate in the centre of the medieval town close to where Ye Olde Man & Scythe public house, dating from 1251, is situated today.[16]
In 1337 Flemish weavers settled and introduced the manufacture of woollen cloth.[17] More Flemish weavers, fleeing the Huguenot persecutions, settled here in the 17th century. The second wave of settlers wove fustian, a rough cloth made of linen and cotton.[18] Digging sea coal was recorded in 1374.[6] There was an outbreak of the plague in the town in 1623.[6]
During the English Civil War, the people of Bolton were Puritans and supported the Parliamentarian cause.[14] A parliamentary garrison in the town was attacked twice without success but on 28 May 1644 Prince Rupert's Royalist army with troops under the command of the Earl of Derby attacked again. The attack became known as the Bolton Massacre in which 1,500 died, 700 were taken prisoner and the town plundered.[18] The attackers took to referring to the town as the "Geneva of the North", referencing Geneva's dominant Calvinism, although historian Malcolm Hardman says this was a description borne "more of irritation than accuracy".[19] At the end of the Civil War, Lord Derby was tried as a traitor at Chester and condemned to death. When his appeal for pardon to parliament was rejected he attempted to escape but was recaptured. For his part in the massacre, he was executed outside Ye Olde Man & Scythe Inn on 15 October 1651.[6]
Bolton was a 19th-century boomtown and, at its zenith in 1929, its 216 cotton mills and 26 bleaching and dyeing works made it one of the largest and most productive centres of cotton spinning in the world. The British cotton industry declined sharply after the First World War and, by the 1980s, cotton manufacture had virtually ceased in Bolton.
A tradition of cottage spinning and weaving and improvements to spinning technology by local inventors, Richard Arkwright and Samuel Crompton, led to rapid growth of the textile industry in the 19th century. Crompton, whilst living at Hall i' th' Wood, invented the spinning mule in 1779. Streams draining the surrounding moorland into the River Croal provided the water necessary for the bleach works that were a feature of this area.[20] Bleaching using chlorine was introduced in the 1790s by the Ainsworths at Halliwell Bleachworks. Bolton and the surrounding villages had more than thirty bleachworks including the Lever Bank Bleach Works in the Irwell Valley.[21] The mule revolutionised cotton spinning by combining the roller drafting of Arkwright's water frame with the carriage drafting and spindle tip twisting of James Hargreaves's spinning jenny, producing a high quality yarn. Self-acting mules were used in Bolton mills until the 1960s producing fine yarn.[21] The earliest mills were situated by the streams and river as at Barrow Bridge, but steam power led to the construction of the large multi-storey mills and their chimneys that dominated Bolton's skyline, some of which survive today.[18]
Growth of the textile industry was assisted by the availability of coal in the area. By 1896 John Fletcher had coal mines at Ladyshore in Little Lever; The Earl of Bradford had a coal mine at Great Lever; the Darcy Lever Coal Company had mines at Darcy Lever and there were coal mines at Tonge, Breightmet, Deane and Doffcocker. Some of these pits were close to the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal providing the owners with markets in Bolton and Manchester.[22] Coal mining declined in the 20th century.
Important transport links contributed to the growth of the town and the textile industry; the Manchester Bolton & Bury Canal[18] constructed in 1791, connected the town to Bury and Manchester providing transport for coal and other basic materials. The Bolton and Leigh Railway, the oldest in Lancashire, opened to goods traffic in 1828 and Great Moor Street station opened to passengers in 1831. The railway initially connected Bolton to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Leigh, an important link with the port of Liverpool for the import of raw cotton from America, but was extended in 1829 to link up with the Manchester to Liverpool Line.[18] Local firms built locomotives for the railway, in 1830 "Union" was built by Rothwell, Hick and Company and two locomotives, "Salamander" and "Veteran" were built by Crook and Dean.[23]
Bolton's first Mayor, Charles James Darbishire was sympathetic to Chartism and a supporter of the Anti-Corn Law League. In August 1839 Bolton was besieged by Chartist rioters and the Riot Act was read and special constables sworn in. The mayor accompanied soldiers called to rescue special constables at Little Bolton Town Hall, which was besieged by a mob, and the incident ended without bloodshed.[24]Derby Barracks was established in Fletcher Street in the early 1860s.[25]
One of two statues prominent on Victoria Square near Bolton Town Hall is that of Samuel Taylor Chadwick (1809 – 3 May 1876) a philanthropist who donated funds to Bolton Hospital to create an ear, nose and throat ward. Built houses for people living in cellars, through Bolton Council fought for better public health including cleaner water, established the Chadwick Orphanage, improved the Bolton Workhouse and funded the towns natural history museum that was the basis of the present Bolton Museum at Le Mans Crescent, the original museum was in a building at Queens Park.[26] The second statue at Victoria Square is in memory of a former Bolton Mayor Sir Benjamin Alfred Dobson (1847–1898) who died in office in 1898, he was a textile machinery manufacturer and chairman of Dobson & Barlow, a significant employer in the town.[27][28][29] By 1900 Bolton was Lancashire's third largest engineering centre after Manchester and Oldham. About 9,000 men were employed in the industry, half of them working for Dobson and Barlow in Kay Street.[30]
By 1911 the textile industry in Bolton employed about 36,000 people.[33] As of 1920, the Bolton Cardroom Union had more than 15,000 members, while the Bolton Weavers' Association represented 13,500 workers.[34] The last mill to be constructed was Sir John Holden's Mill in 1927.[33] The cotton industry declined from the 1920s. A brief upturn after the Second World War was not sustained, and the industry had virtually vanished by the end of the 20th century.
During the night of 26 September 1916, Bolton was the target for an aerial offensive. L21, a Zeppelin commanded by Oberleutnant Kurt Frankenburg of the Imperial German Navy, dropped twenty-one bombs on the town, five of them on the working class area of Kirk Street, killing thirteen residents and destroying six houses. Further attacks followed on other parts of the town, including three incendiaries dropped close to the Town Hall.[35][36]
In 1899 William Lever, Lord Leverhulme, bought Hall i'th' Wood as a memorial to Samuel Crompton inventor of the spinning mule. Lever restored the dilapidated building and presented it to the town in 1902, having turned it into a museum furnished with household goods typical of domestic family life in the 16th and 17th centuries. Lever re-endowed Bolton Schools, giving land and his house on Chorley New Road. He presented the town with 67 acres (270,000 m2) of land for a public park which the corporation named Leverhulme Park in 1914.[37] In 1902 he gave the people of Bolton Lever Park at Rivington. In 1911, Lever consulted Thomas Mawson, landscape architect and lecturer in Landscape Design at the University of Liverpool, regarding town planning in Bolton. Mawson published "Bolton – a Study in Town Planning and Civic Art" and gave lectures entitled "Bolton Housing and Town Planning Society" which formed the basis of an illustrated book "Bolton – as it is and as it might be". In 1924, Leverhulme presented Bolton Council with an ambitious plan to rebuild the town centre based on Mawson's designs funded partly by himself. The council declined in favour of extending the town hall and building the civic centre.[38]
In 1838 Great Bolton, most of Little Bolton and the Haulgh area of Tonge with Haulgh were incorporated under the Municipal Corporations Act 1835 as a municipal borough, the second to be created in England. Further additions were made adding part of Rumworth in 1872 and part of Halliwell in 1877.[42][43] In 1889 Bolton was granted County Borough status and became self-governing and independent from Lancashire County Council jurisdiction. In 1898, the borough was extended further by adding the civil parishes of Breightmet, Darcy Lever, Great Lever, the rest of Halliwell, Heaton, Lostock, Middle Hulton, the rest of Rumworth which had been renamed Deane in 1894, Smithills, and Tonge plus Astley Bridge Urban District, and part of Over Hulton civil parish.[42][43] The County Borough of Bolton was abolished in 1974 and became a constituent part of the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton in Greater Manchester.[42][43] Bolton unsuccessfully applied for city status in 2011.[44][45]
Bolton Council is divided into twenty wards, each of which elects three councillors for a term of up to four years.[46]
It is surrounded by several neighbouring towns and villages that together form the Borough of Bolton, of which Bolton is the administrative centre. The town of Bolton has a population of 139,403, whilst the wider metropolitan borough has a population of 262,400.
The early name, Bolton le Moors, described the position of the town amid the low hills on the edge of the West Pennine Moors southeast of Rivington Pike (456 m). Bolton lies on relatively flat land on both sides of the clough or steep-banked valley through which the River Croal flows in a southeasterly direction towards the River Irwell.[6] The geological formation around Bolton consists of sandstones of the Carboniferous series and Coal Measures; in the northern part of Bolton the lower Coal Measures are mixed with underlying Millstone Grit.[14]
Climate in the Greater Manchester area is generally similar to the climate of England, although owing to protection from the mountains in North Wales it experiences slightly lower than average rainfall except during the summer months, when rainfall is higher than average.[51] Bolton has mild differences between highs and lows, and there is adequate rainfall year-round. The Köppen Climate Classification subtype for this climate is "Cfb" (Marine West Coast Climate/Oceanic climate).[52][53]
At the time of the United Kingdom Census 2001, according to the Office for National Statistics, the Urban Subdivision of Bolton[55] was part of the Greater Manchester Urban Area and had a total resident population of 139,403, of which 67,823 (48.7%) were male and 71,580 (51.3%) were female,[56] living in 57,827 households.[57] The settlement occupied 4,446 hectares (17.17 sq mi), compared with 2,992 hectares (11.55 sq mi) in the 1991 census, though the 2001 Urban census area contains a large rural area to the south of the town. Its population density was 31.35 people per hectare compared with an average of 40.20 across the Greater Manchester Urban Area.[56] The median age of the population was 35, compared with 36 within the Greater Manchester Urban Area and 37 across England and Wales.[58]
The majority of the population of Bolton were born in England (87.10%); 2.05% were born elsewhere within the United Kingdom, 1.45% within the rest of the European Union, and 9.38% elsewhere in the world.[59]
Data on religious beliefs across the town in the 2001 census show that 67.9% declared themselves to be Christian, 12.5% stated that they were Muslim, 8.6% said they held no religion, and 3.4% reported themselves as Hindu.[60]
At the time of the 2001 Census, 56,390 people resident in Bolton were in employment. Of these, 21.13% worked in the wholesale and retail trade, including repair of motor vehicles; 18.71% worked within manufacturing industry; 11.00% worked within the health and social work sector and 6.81% were employed in the transport, storage and communication industries.[66]
In the last quarter of the 20th century heavy industry was replaced by service-based activities including data processing, call centres, hi-tech electronics and IT companies. The town retains some traditional industries employing people in paper-manufacturing, packaging, textiles, transportation, steel foundries and building materials. Missiles were produced at the British Aerospace (BAe) factory in Lostock, now closed. The Reebok brand's European headquarters are located at the Reebok Stadium. Bolton is also the home of the family bakery, Warburtons, established in 1876 on Blackburn Road. On 13 February 2003, Bolton was granted Fairtrade Town status.[67]
Bolton attracts visitors to its shopping centres, markets, public houses, restaurants and cafes in the town centre
as well retail parks and leisure facilities close to the town centre and in the surrounding towns and suburbs.[68][69] Tourism plays a part in the economy, visitor attractions include Hall i' th' Wood, Smithills Hall and Country Park, Last Drop Village, Barrow Bridge and the Bolton Steam Museum.[70][71]
There are several regeneration projects planned for Bolton over the next ten years, including Church Wharf by Ask Developments and Bluemantle[72] and Merchant's Quarter by local developer Charles Topham group, which together will contribute 1,000,000 square feet (93,000 m2) of business space.[73] The Bolton Innovation Zone is a large £300 million development with the University of Bolton at its core. Bolton is pursuing major redevelopment projects in its town centre, including the regeneration of Crompton Place and Church Wharf areas, aimed at promoting residential, commercial, and leisure spaces.[74]
Situated in the town centre on the site of a former market is the Grade II* listed town hall, an imposing neoclassical building designed by William Hill and opened in June 1873 by Albert Edward, Prince of Wales.[16] In the 1930s the building was extended by Bradshaw Gass & Hope.[16][75] Within the Town Hall are the 'Albert Halls and several function rooms. The original, single Albert Hall was destroyed by fire on 14 November 1981. After rebuilding work, it was replaced by the present Albert Halls, which were opened in 1985.[75] The halls underwent a major restoration project, reopening in 2017.[76]
The Great Hall of Smithills Hall was built in the 14th century when William de Radcliffe received the Manor of Smithills from the Hultons, the chapel dates from the 16th century and was extended during the 19th. Smithills Hall was where, in 1555, George Marsh was tried for heresy during the Marian Persecutions. After being "examined" at Smithills, according to local tradition, George Marsh stamped his foot so hard to re-affirm his faith, that a footprint was left in the stone floor. It is a Grade I listed building and is now a museum.[77][78]
Hall i' th' Wood, now a museum, is a late mediaeval yeoman farmer's house built by Laurence Brownlow. Around 1637 it was owned by the Norris family, who added the stone west wing. In the 18th century it was divided up into tenements. Samuel Crompton lived and worked there. In the 19th century it deteriorated further until in 1895 it was bought by industrialist William Hesketh Lever, who restored it and presented it to Bolton Council in 1900.[79]
Bolton's 26 conservation areas contain 700 listed buildings, many of which are in the town centre, and there is parkland including the VictorianQueen's Park, Leverhulme Park and other open spaces in the surrounding area.[80][81] These include Le Mans Crescent, Ye Olde Man & Scythe, Little Bolton Town Hall, the Market Place, Wood Street and Holy Trinity Church. The Market Hall of 1854 is a Grade II listed building.[82] Outside the town centre can be found Mere Hall, Firwood Fold, Haulgh Hall, Park Cottage, St Mary's Church, Deane, Lostock Hall Gatehouse and All Souls Church. Notable mills still overlooking parts of the town are Sir John Holden's Mill[83] and Swan Lane Mills.[84]
Most views northwards are dominated by Rivington Pike and the Winter Hill TV Mast on the West Pennine Moors above the town.[85]
Bolton is well served by the local road network and national routes. The A6, a major north–south trunk road, passes to the west through Hunger Hill and Westhoughton.
The A666dual carriageway, is a spur to and from the M61motorway through the town centre to Astley Bridge, Egerton, Darwen and Blackburn. The M61 has three dedicated junctions serving the borough.
A network of local buses coordinated by Transport for Greater Manchester serves the Bolton district and beyond;[86] bus operators include Go North West and Diamond North West, both under the TfGM branding of Bee Network. Bolton is also served by the National Express coach network. The bus station on Moor Lane was scheduled to be replaced by a new interchange in the town centre next to the railway station by the end of 2014, at a cost of £48 million.[87]
Bolton Interchange is managed by Northern; the railway station is part of a town centre transport interchange with services to Manchester, Wigan, Southport, Kirkby, Blackburn, Preston, Blackpool, Barrow in Furness, Windermere, Glasgow, Edinburgh and intermediate stations operated by Northern and TransPennine Express.[88][89]
There is evidence from Saxon times of Christian churches and at the time of the Civil War a Puritan and nonconformist presence in the town. The Unitarians were among the early dissenting congregations which eventually included Methodists, Baptists, Seventh Day Adventist and other denominations. More than forty churches were built during the Victorian era, but some have now been closed, demolished or converted to other uses.[100][101]
Today, the parish of Bolton-le-Moors covers a small area in the town centre,[102] but until the 19th century it covered a much larger area, divided into eighteen chapelries and townships.[14][103] The neighbouring ancient parish of Deane centred around St Mary's Church once covered a large area to the west and south of Bolton,[104] and the township of Great Lever was part of the ancient parish of Middleton.[103]
The Church of St Peter, commonly known as Bolton Parish Church, is an example of the gothic revival style. Built between 1866 and 1871 of Longridge stone to designs by Paley, the church is 67 ft (20.4 m) in width, 156 ft (47.5 m) in length, and 82 ft (25.0 m) in height. The tower is 180 ft (54.9 m) high with 13 bells.[11] The first church on the same site was built in Anglo-Saxon times. It was rebuilt in Norman times and again in the early 15th century. Little is known of the first two earlier churches, but the third building was a solid, squat building with a sturdy square tower at the west end. It was modified over the years until it fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1866.[14] Fragments of stone and other artefacts from these first three buildings are displayed in the museum corner of the present church.[11]
St Mary's Deane, once the only church in a parish of ten townships in the hundred of Salford, is a church established in Saxon times. The current building dates from 1250 with extensions and restoration in the 19th century and is a Grade II*listed building.[105]
St George's Church was built between 1794 and 1796 when Little Bolton was a separate township. Built by Peter Rothwell and paid for by the Ainsworth family.[106] in 1975 it was leased to Bolton Council, and became a craft centre in 1994.[107]St Patrick's Roman Catholic Church on Great Moor Street, was built in 1861.[108]
The New Zakaria Mosque, the first mosque in Bolton, served the Muslim community from Pakistan and India from the 1960s. The first place of worship for Hindus was in the former St Barnabas Church, converted into a Hindu temple.[100]
Bolton Hockey Club fields women's, men's, and junior teams and has more than 120 playing members.[110] The town has a local cricket leagues, the Bolton Cricket League,[111] Bolton also has a rugby union club, Bolton RUFC formed in 1872 situated on Avenue Street. The club operates four senior teams, as well as women's and junior sections.[112]Bolton Robots of Doom is a baseball club started in 2003, playing home games at Stapleton Avenue. In addition to the adult team there is a junior team, Bolton Bears. Baseball in Bolton dates back to 1938 with a team called Bolton Scarlets.[113] An American football team, the Bolton Bulldogs, plays home games at Smithills School operating varsity and junior varsity teams.[114]Speedway racing, known as Dirt Track Racing, was staged at Raikes Park in the pioneering days of 1928, but the speedway was short-lived.[115]Greyhound racing took place at the Raikes Park Greyhound Stadium from 1927 until 1996.[116]
According to a survey of the British Association for the Advancement of Science, Boltonians are the friendliest people in Britain.[117]Humphrey Spender photographed Bolton calling it Worktown for the Mass-Observation Project, a social research organisation which aimed to record everyday life in Britain. His photographs provide a record of ordinary people living and working in a British pre-War industrial town.[118]
Bolton has several theatres including the Octagon and independent groups such as Bolton Little Theatre and the Phoenix Theatre Company. Comedian Peter Kay was a member of the Octagon youth theatre and worked in the box office for about four months, until being dismissed. Actress Maxine Peake made her professional debut at the Octagon and director Danny Boyle was inspired to start his career when he worked there as an usher.[119] Inside the Town Hall there is a theatre and conference complex, the Albert Halls. Le Mans Crescent, home to the central library, museum, art gallery, aquarium, magistrates' court and town hall, is to be the centre of a new Cultural Quarter. The library and museum are to be extended into the area now occupied by the Magistrates Court. Bolton Museum and Art Gallery houses a collection of local and international art.[120]Bolton Steam Museum houses a variety of preserved steam engines in part of the old Atlas Mill.[121] A noted 1953 painting by L. S. Lowry depicts match-day crowds at Burnden Park, the former home stadium of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. The painting is in the collection of The Lowry arts centre in Salford, and was exhibited at Bolton Museum and Art Gallery in 2023.[122]
Bolton Central Library was one of the earliest public libraries established after the Public Libraries Act 1850, opening in October 1853 in the Exchange Building on the old market square (Victoria Square) before moving to Le Mans Crescent in July 1938.[123] The Bolton Symphony Orchestra performs regular concerts at the Albert Halls and Victoria Hall in the town centre.[124]
The 2008 BBC Radio 3 Adult Choir of the Year[125] and five times gold-medal winning barbershop chorus The Cottontown Chorus is based in Bolton.[126]
Bolton Community and Voluntary Services supports voluntary and community activities.[127] A network of volunteer groups look after the environment in Bolton supported by Bolton Green Umbrella.[128]
The first Bolton LGBT+ Pride was held in 2015 and has been an ongoing annual event which since its second year has included a parade and live music.[129][130]
Bolton has been used as a setting for film and television drama. Le Mans Crescent has featured as a London street in the Jeremy Brett version of Sherlock Holmes, a Russian secret service building in the 1990s comedy series Sleepers and in Peaky Blinders in 2014.[133] The 1990s BBC drama Between the Lines filmed an episode in Victoria Square.[134]
Bolton is policed by the Bolton Division of Greater Manchester Police. The statutory emergency fire and rescue service is provided by the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, from Bolton Central, Bolton North, Horwich and Farnworth Fire Stations.[136] Hospital services are provided by the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, which provides Accident and Emergency and other services at Royal Bolton Hospital in Farnworth.[137] Community health services, including GPs, district and community nurses, dentists and pharmacists, are co-ordinated by
the Bolton Primary Care Trust.[138] Waste management is co-ordinated by the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.[139] Bolton's Distribution Network Operator for electricity is Electricity North West Ltd.[140] United Utilities manage Bolton's drinking and waste water.[141]
Among the notable people born in Bolton are the Protestant martyr George Marsh, 1515–55,[78] the inventor of the spinning mule that revolutionised the textile industry, Samuel Crompton, 1753–1827,[142] and industrialist Lord Leverhulme of Bolton-le-Moors, 1851–1925.[38]
^ abcdefFarrer, William; Brownbill, J, eds. (1911), "Great Bolton", A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5, British History Online, pp. 243–251, archived from the original on 29 October 2013, retrieved 6 December 2009
^ abFarrer, William; Brownbill, J, eds. (1911), "Little Bolton", A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5, British History Online, pp. 251–255, archived from the original on 1 December 2008, retrieved 6 December 2009
^ abcdefFarrer, William; Brownbill, J, eds. (1911), "Bolton le Moors", A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 5, British History Online, pp. 235–243, archived from the original on 30 October 2013, retrieved 6 December 2009
^"Lancashire: Bolton", Gazetteer of Markets and Fairs in England and Wales, 18 June 2003, archived from the original on 29 June 2017, retrieved 9 June 2009
^"Sir Benjamin Alfred Dobson". Links in a Chain: the Mayors of Bolton. Bolton Council. Archived from the original on 21 June 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
^"Benjamin Alfred Dobson". Grace's Guide to British Industrial History. Archived from the original on 21 June 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
^ ab"William Hesketh Lever", Links in a Chain – The Mayors of Bolton, Bolton Council, archived from the original on 4 May 2011, retrieved 22 January 2010
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Faux wood blinds in use
Basswood compared to faux wood
Roller blinds installed in a kitchen
Close-up of a track blind, also known as vertical drapes
Track blind
Blind with horizontal slats also, known as Venetian blind
Detail of turning rod (blind stick) attachment on miniblind
A roller blind on a door as a perfect fit roller blind
Facade of a modern residential building with automated blinds
Media related to Window blinds at Wikimedia Commons
