Kempton Steam Museum

“So this photo was a rather unexpected discovery in the Art Noveau/Art Deco building known as the Kempton Steam Museum. The photo is of a mother and her daughters dressed in their silken 1920's finery. I was on a photographic recce today with Ken and Peter preparing for a shoot in this building scheduled for the beginning of August when I espied this framed photograph. The museum preserves two of the largest steam engines ever built. The triple-expansion engines pumped drinking water into reservoirs for the supply of London from 1929 to 1980. Steam was provided by six boilers fuelled by moving-chain grates. The engines were named after Sir William Prescott, chairman of the Metropolitan Water Board, and his wife Lady Bessie Prescott - the lady who is seated in the photograph alongside her two daughters.”

“We went on a day when the giant engine was being driven by steam and it was very impressive. A display of British engineering at the height of its powers in the early 20th century. The volunteer staff are friendly and informative. The coffee shop is first rate, too. It's good that you can access almost all areas. Very little is roped-off, and you can get right next to the enormous moving parts of the engine while it is running. Unique.”

“Amazing place, space and awesome to see such a machine running. Love that you can wander around the non running engine while the other is operational. The non running engine has a lot of parts pulled away and open so you can have a good look at it. The team there are lovely and makes for a really nice experience. There is a small refreshment and souvenir area for tea, sandwiches, cakes and other snacks.”

“This was our second visit to Kempton Steam Museum, and I highly recommend it! It’s definitely worth a visit, and we’re already looking forward to coming back again. Huge thanks to the dedicated team who keep this incredible piece of history running for everyone to enjoy—both now and in the future.”