Home > Europe > United Kingdom > England > London > Museums > British Library
Silhouette JLP01_14_00175
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
Silhouette JLP01_14_00175
BRITISH LIBRARY, EUSTON ROAD, ST PANCRAS, CAMDEN, GREATER LONDON. A crane lowering two men in a safety cage into a mock-up pile foundation shaft as part of a training exercise at the British Library.
Everyone on the course had to climb the ladder in the 2m diameter shaft from a trial depth of 5m wearing breathing apparatus. This was to replicate the conditions of working at the base of shafts to secure the foot of the steel columns that would support the 5 basement book storage levels. 119 steel columns with brackets to support the basement floor slabs were installed in 20m deep 2m diameter shafts which were lined with corrugated steel and backfilled with pea gravel ballast. The columns were exposed in stages as each basement level was excavated and the floor slabs constructed
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 24289857
© Historic England Archive
1980s Construction Library People Silhouette Work
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> Greater London
> Related Images
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Boroughs
> Camden
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Museums
> British Library
> Europe
> United Kingdom
> England
> London
> Towns
> St Pancras
> Historic England
> Industry
> Engineering and Construction
> Building the British Library
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a moment of intense training at the iconic British Library in Greater London. A towering crane delicately lowers two brave men, enclosed within a safety cage, into a mock-up pile foundation shaft. This exercise was an integral part of their course, testing their skills and endurance in replicating the challenging conditions of working at the base of shafts. To secure the foot of the steel columns that would support five basement book storage levels, 119 sturdy steel columns with brackets were meticulously installed in deep 20-meter shafts. These impressive structures were lined with corrugated steel and backfilled with pea gravel ballast to ensure stability. The photograph showcases one stage of this intricate construction process as each basement level was excavated and floor slabs were carefully constructed. To truly understand what it takes to complete such a monumental project, every participant had to climb up ladders within these 2-meter diameter shafts from a trial depth of 5 meters while wearing breathing apparatus. Taken during the vibrant decade of the 1980s, this silhouette image not only highlights human determination but also pays homage to the architectural marvel that is the British Library. Preserved by Historic England Archive, this remarkable piece serves as a testament to both hard work and innovation in construction practices.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
