Kempton Steam Museum

The world’s largest operational triple-expansion steam engine is on display at London’s Kempton Steam Museum. From 1929 to 1980, it pumped massive volumes of London’s drinking water alongside its identical twin, which stands as tall as four stacked double-decker buses. These engines are similar to those used on the famous ship, the Titanic. Interestingly, many TV shows and films have been shot at this location, including Agatha Christie’s Poirot’s “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” because of its 1920s art deco architecture.

The sheer size of these impressive engines can only be properly appreciated when standing on top and looking down at the smaller turbines below. This experience is not for the fortunate few, but for any visitor with a height of at least 1.4 metres and a head for heights, as part of the museum tour.

These colossal steam engines have continued to be restored and cared for since 1995 by the Kempton Great Engines Trust. Their remit ensures that these engineering masterpieces are preserved for future generations.

With this in mind, the trust contacted our museum design consultants to review and evaluate plans the museum’s volunteers put forward. In addition to these tasks, our museum design consultancy has provided suggestions on improving the existing museum design and overall museum experience for their visitors.

The areas to be improved include lighting design in all areas, interpretation, refreshment areas, general display, and the overall appearance of the museum. We look forward to assisting the Kempton Great Engines Trust and volunteers with these suggestions and the more extensive plans in the pipeline.