26/365:Fountain

26/365:Fountain, originally uploaded by Magic Madzik.

January 26th

The fountains at the Manufaktura shopping centre flow all year round, summer or winter. They warm the water, but it ices up anyway, especially around this arching jet.

Most of this building complex dates back to the 1870's when Jewish entrepreneur Izrael Poznański set up his enormous textile factory in industrial Łódź. There are many many legends about Poznański's wealth; the fact is the place employed 7000 people and ran 5000 spindles at its peak. It had its own gas plant, foundry, steam-engine workshop... I just realised I have not yet taken a proper photo of the palace he built for himself, adjacent to the factory. I will talk a bit more about it when I do.

For now I will just tell you that today the factory grounds and its remaining buildings have been turned into a shopping and cultural centre. There are stores, but there are also restaurants, museums, a theatre, a bowling alley...

You should come visit. :)