New Book Launch: To The Water by Soo Burnell

Scottish photographer Soo Burnell has launched her debut book To The Water, a stunning coffee table tome showcasing the architecture of Scotland’s original swimming baths. We caught up with Soo to find out more about the project. 

Before exotic holidays became the norm and with temperatures that often make it too cold to take a dip in the sea, for many who grew up in Scotland, a trip to the local swimming baths was their first foray in the water. However, over the years, countless baths have, at best, closed or, at worst, been demolished to make way for new buildings. Thankfully, some of these beautiful swimming baths still remain, and have been chronicled by photographer Soo Brunell in her new book, To The Water. 

‘I wanted to capture Scotland’s swimming baths to show the beauty of the architecture while minimising modern elements,’ says Soo, speaking of her labour of love. ‘The geometry of the tiles, the lines on the bottom of the pools, and the typography including the “deep end” signs are all features I love.’

We are so lucky to have these appealing pools still in use in our cities, and perhaps these photographs will remind people how special they are, as an integral part of Scottish culture,’ adds Soo. 

The book not only features exquisite examples of Scottish Victorian architecture, including Leith Victoria, Warrender Baths, Portobello Turkish Baths, and Glasgow’s Western Baths, as well as pools in Manchester, Paris and London, too. Each shot features capped swimmers to illustrate the sheer scale of their surroundings and to add an artistic aesthetic, which makes Soo’s work instantly recognisable. The perfect gift for you or a loved one with a refreshing spray of nostalgia thrown in? This is a book you’ll want to dive into again and again. 

To The Water £45 is out now at Soo-burnell.com