We’re delighted to share that we’ve secured a grant of £20, 000 from the Association for Industrial Archaeology to restore the Grade II* Listed Engine House.
The Association for Industrial Archaeology is the national society for industrial heritage, which has supported the study, preservation and presentation of industrial heritage in Britain since 1973.
The Engine House, which originally housed the steam engines and water pumping machinery, holds the growing collection of models, plans, artefacts and photos further explain the story of the Thames Tunnel’s construction. This project will draw on the expertise of those volunteers who initially rescued the building, as well as providing new opportunities for existing and new volunteers.
Ahead of and alongside this project, is a project to digitise the Museum’s photography collection to establish a visual record of changes to the historic buildings. Volunteers have already digitised images showing the installation of the iconic chimney in 1993. New opportunities for getting involved will be revealed as the project progresses, from removing vegetation to removing uprooted brickwork.
The restoration of the Engine House is a key feature of the Brunel Museum Reinvented project, which will allow us to create a new gallery within The Engine House, address accessibility issues affecting the site, its buildings and collections and run a dedicated activity programme for families and the local community
