The Great Engine House Project

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The Great Engine House Project

Posted on 21st February, 2025

The London Museum of Water & Steam has been awarded £2,626,277 to restore its Great Engine House, home to the world’s two largest Cornish beam engines, by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND). The funding will help make the building watertight, improve environmental conditions, remove harmful past repairs, conserve the engines, and safely eliminate asbestos-containing materials.

Based in a Georgian water pumping station in Brentford, West London, the Museum cares for the world’s largest collection of stationary steam pumping engines, which pumped clean water into the homes of millions of Londoners between 1838 and 1944 – helping to transform London into the city it is today. These colossal machines showcase 200 years of engineering innovation while inspiring visitors to reflect on the importance of access to clean water and its conservation.

We have secured the largest single grant awarded in the round and this funding is key to preserving our historic engines and securing the Museum’s future.

“At the London Museum of Water & Steam we celebrate the remarkable story of human ingenuity, innovation, and engineering, aiming to enthuse our audiences for the cause for clean, equitable water. This funding is vital in safeguarding an amazing historic building that incorporates some massive and awe-inspiring engines. We are thrilled that our significance and story will be secured for the future wellbeing and inspiration of our communities, be they our very local supporters or our national and international visitors.”
Hannah Harte, Director

In the press

As part of the application process, in July/August 2024 we ran a Crowdfunder campaign to raise a percentage of the grant through public support. We successfully raised over £50,000 with 660 supporters. Learn more about the project on the Crowdfunder website or by watching the video below.