Putting 19th Century objects up to the 21st Century sustainability challenge: Decarbonisation in the Power Hall at the Science and Industry Museum
The Science and Industry Museum (SIM) in Manchester, part of the Science Museum Group, has set itself an ambitious challenge: to become net zero by 2030. Central to this journey is the transformation of the Power Hall Gallery, home to a national collection of working historic engines. In this talk Rachel Rimmer, Conservation and Collections Care Manager at SIM since 2012, describes how this gallery has undergone a major redevelopment - improving the building fabric, re-energising the visitor narrative, and rethinking how these powerful machines are operated.
These engines mark a pivotal moment in history - the birth of the steam age, when fossil fuels powered rapid industrial change. Yet in the 21st century, their story takes on new meaning. As we confront the realities of climate change, the museum is exploring how to honour this industrial heritage while embracing a more sustainable future. Working with external specialists, SIM is researching innovative ways to operate historic steam engines more efficiently, decarbonise the gallery’s energy use, and passively improve the internal environment. The project poses a compelling question at the heart of modern conservation: can a museum balance sustainability with the careful preservation of a historic collection?
The talk will take place on Wednesday 14th January at 1.00-1.30pm.
There will be time set aside for Q&As following the talk.
