The Thames Tunnel Diving Bell
In David Copperfield (1849-50), Charles Dickins wrote about a speculator’s scrap yard in a rundown area of London now known as Pimlico. Sited on marshy ground alongside Millbank Prison on the bank of the river Thames, half buried in the mud were “rusty iron monsters of steam-boilers … anchors … diving-bells … and I know …
Invitation to Pitch – Creative Practitioner
Creative Practitioner Brief – Self Guided Family Resources An exciting opportunity has arisen to develop a new suite of self-guided family learning resources for the Brunel Museum. These engaging and innovative resources will represent a step-change in how the Museum engages with their family visitors and drives visits to the Museum. The Brief We are …
Tunnelling through Time – Online Escape Room
“A digital escape like no other” – Review The Room “Another beautiful production” – Escape The Roomers “Mesmerising cinematic experience” – Escape Mattster The Thames Tunnel at The Brunel Museum in London was the world’s first underwater tunnel, and Deadlocked Escape Rooms have collaborated with The Brunel Museum to create our most cinematic adventure …
Marc Brunel and the epidemic of 1793
As we come to the end of a second year of a global pandemic, it is interesting to look back at older epidemics and pandemics to see what elements of culture have been shaped by the effects of ravaging diseases. Sometimes the effects are direct and easily identifiable, such as the ending of serfdom in …
Help us plan for 2022!
As we come to the end of 2021, we’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received in this strange year – whether it’s (visitors in person/online, volunteers, funders, awards, etc etc). We have one more thing to ask of you before the clock ticks over to 2022! As part of our Brunel Museum Reinvented …
Engineering a new future for the Brunel Museum
We are delighted to share that we have received planning permission for a new welcome pavilion to provide transform the visitor experience at the Museum. The permission will also help us provide a home for our collection of Thames Tunnel drawings and archives. The Museum sought Planning Permission and Scheduled Monument consent after consulting with …
Christmas at the Brunel Museum
Christmas at The Brunel Museum Museum Shop Sunday – Get your Christmas Shopping Done Early Socks printed with Isambard Kingdom Brunel? A tea towel representing the Grand Opening of the Thames Tunnel? If you’re looking for something unusual for the engineer in your life, then head to the Brunel Museum on Sunday 28 November …
Brunel Volunteers recognised at London Heritage Volunteer Awards
We were delighted to be shortlisted in not one, not two, but THREE categories in the London Volunteer Heritage Awards today. These awards recognise the best of the best of the amazingly dedicated and loyal volunteers that help London’s Museums run. Highly Commended – Best Team The entire Brunel Museum team were recognised for …
In defence of pests – Terredo Navalis
It is often suggested that Marc’s inspiration for his tunnelling shield was the humble shipworm, Terredo Navalis. This tiny creature bores into ships’ timbers. Marc saw first hand the impact of Terredo Navalis up close when he worked in Chatham Dockyard. Ship worms, which are in fact clams rather than worms, use their shells on …
Director’s Blog – September 2021
September’s been a very transitional month – and not just because the weather can’t seem to make up its mind! We’re looking ahead to being able to do more over the next couple of months, and we’re excited to share what we’ve got planned for you. October Half-Term We’ve got lots of fun activities for …