The Rowntree Legacy; Pioneering Interest in Design and Architecture

Perhaps one of the lesser known but nonetheless significant parts of the Rowntree legacy is their interest in design and architecture. The enduring built environment they pioneered in York survives in something like its original state – New Earswick; Yearsley Swimming Baths; Joseph Rowntree Theatre; Joseph Rowntree Memorial Library; Rowntree Park; The Homestead and some parts of the Haxby Road factory all continue to form tangible evidence of enduring good design. Seebohm Rowntree was a one time president of the Design and Industries Association.