Governance

The London Museum of Water & Steam is an independent Accredited Museum, governed by the Kew Bridge Engines Trust.

The Kew Bridge Engines Trust and Water Supply Museum Limited, a registered charity, was formed in 1973 with three primary aims:

  • To restore to steam the five historic beam engines at the former Grand Junction Water Works Company’s Kew Bridge Pumping Station
  • Add other important water pumping engines
  • Establish a museum of London’s water supply

Since 1975 we have completed:

  • The restoration of four of the five Cornish steam pumping engines, the earliest dating back to 1820, which were built for the pumping station supplying water to West London until 1944. These colossal engines make up the largest single group of their type in the world.
  • The collection and restoration of other types of water pumping machinery including steam and internal combustion engines and a waterwheel
  • Building the “Water For Life Gallery”, a permanent exhibition exploring London’s water supply from the Roman occupation to the modern day
  • Building and operating the waterworks steam railway, which demonstrates the important role railways played within the industry.
  • Creation and implementation of comprehensive education programme tied into the National Curriculum.
  • Established an archive covering steam and water related topics; an educational service for both adults and children; and a lively annual events programme.
  • Implementation of ‘Project Aquarius’, a c£2.5m investment project funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, Thames Water and other parties.

The Trust board comprises 15 trustees, who are responsible for the strategic and policy direction of the Museum.

The current board members are:

  • Oliver Pearcey (Chairman)
  • Anthony Coulls (Curatorial)
  • Clare Grist Taylor (Governance)
  • George Houstoun (Project Management)
  • Chris Jones (Technical)
  • Olivia O’Leary (Marketing and Communications)
  • Andy Pierre (Safeguarding)
  • John Porter  (Engineering)
  • Peter Roland (Human Resources)
  • Tony Simkin (Finance)
  • Ed Stannard (Fundraising)
  • Mark Weddell (Audience Development)

The board meets bi-monthly.

If you are interested in getting involved in the Trust,  please see our Membership page for more details.