Stannah access the National Brunel Archive at the ss Great Britain

A new development phase alongside Brunel’s ss Great Britain in Bristol has recently been completed and again features a Stannah platform lift. The Brunel Institute is a magnificent building, in part replicating Brunel’s original steam engine works and comprises the Visitor Centre, the David MacGregor Library, the National Brunel Archive and Viridor Theatre that adds yet another impressive aspect to a unique visitor attraction. The historic ship the ss Great Britain (sitting in her original Victorian Dry Dock) and the Dockyard Museum already feature four Stannah lifts that make the whole site accessible to all visitors – the Brunel Institute has added a fifth to ensure total accessibility. The unique library and education centre has an outstanding collection of books and papers about maritime history and a National Brunel Archive that is open to all including academic researchers and Brunel enthusiasts. The archive and library are accessed from the Visitor Centre via a spectacular curving glass corridor. A spiral staircase takes visitors up to the ‘upper-deck’ Foyle Reading Room but, for people who may find the feature staircase difficult to negotiate, the Stannah Midilift platform lift takes an alternative route to the second floor. Stannah are delighted to have supplied another lift to this site that celebrates one of the UK’s most revered engineers. In creating the Brunel Institute, the ss Great Britain Trust is supported by many partners including Bristol City Council, the University of Bristol and the Clifton Suspension Bridge Trust which own parts of the precious archive now housed at the Brunel Institute. In addition to the library and archives, the Brunel Institute delivers an outstanding education programme. To ensure the lifts can always play their part in ensuring accessibility for all, Stannah Lift Services in Bristol are always on hand to keep the lifts running smoothly – even through the historic ship’s funnel! Brunel’s ss Great Britain is a Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards winner for ‘Best Heritage Venue’.

For more information on Stannah access the National Brunel Archive at the ss Great Britain talk to Stannah Lifts