Continuing our current Master’s theme of family-friendly events, the Liverymen’s Committee, together with BAM Nuttall, arranged a visit to the Tower Bridge Exhibition on 26 November.
Following a slightly foggy start, the group were treated to a bright clear Saturday morning as it gathered at the base of the south-east tower of the bridge. There was relief to hear that a lift would shuttle the group to the start of the exhibition at the walkway level, saving a climb of over 60 metres.
The exhibition commenced with a video that explained how the bridge was constructed in the late 1800s from concrete foundations and a steel frame superstructure that was clad in Cornish granite and Portland stone. The architectural ‘language’ of the bridge was designed to be sympathetic with the adjoining Tower of London. The tour continued onto the walkways spanning the River Thames and, with a significant amount of trepidation, everyone stood on the glass floor which is understood to be able to accept up to a five-tonne loading. The glass floor not only provided a unique view of the Thames, but also enabled the ongoing progress of the ongoing re-surfacing works to be seen. The walkways also offered stunning views east and west along the river, together with an exhibition of photographs of other interesting bridges constructed around the world. After descending the tower, the tour was completed with a visit to the engine room to view the pumps and other equipment that help to operate the raising and lowering of the bridge, all of which is kept in immaculate condition.
The Paviors Company would like to thank BAM Nuttall for generously arranging tickets to the exhibition and for their gift of models of Tower Bridge to the children who attended. This was a well supported and, most certainly, a very enjoyable event.