Kirkaldy's Testing Museum Southwark Ltd
Who we are
Description
Kirkaldy Testing & Experimenting Works opened at 99 Southwark Street on 1 January 1874 - the world’s first materials testing house where samples from bridges and structures around the world were sent to be tested to destruction, including the Tay Bridge following the fatal 1879 disaster. Astonishingly, the 116 ton machine still survives and still breaks metal today, right in the heart of London. This was where standards were set for the world so that infrastructure for growing cities could be guaranteed. David Kirkaldy, the Victorian founder and designer of the mighty Universal Testing Machine, met much opposition at the time for his outspoken insistence on ‘Facts Not Opinions’ – indeed he was described in his obituary as ‘the best hated man in London’ but he was so sure of his convictions he had his motto carved over the door. Today a small charity celebrates, cares for and shares this remarkable place, working hard to open the doors more often and keep Kirkaldy's spirit alive!
Organisation type
Registered charity
Setup year
1983