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Outside

The striking Italian Romanesque style was the height of commercial fashion in 1873. Designed by notable Victorian architect T Roger Smith of Bedford Street, like the mighty machine inside, its importance has been recognised by Historic England with a Grade II* listing. On both the north-facing Southwark Street elevation and at the rear the four-storey building is distinguished by huge lettering announcing ‘Kirkaldy’s Testing & Experimenting Works’ and the legend ‘Facts not Opinions’ is carved over the front door. Facts not Opinions is also etched into the modern paving outside the south-facing double doors on pedestrianised Price’s Street, which gives level access into the workshop.

Inside

Kirkaldy’s Testing Works at 99 Southwark Street preserves an authentic nineteenth century industrial workshop, housing historical materials testing machines in working condition.

Kirkaldy’s Testing Works is a 10-minute walk from Blackfriars and Southwark Stations, and a 20-minute walk from Waterloo and London Bridge. It is just a block south of Tate Modern.

The Testing Works occupies two floors. There is level access from Price’s Street or one step up to the Southwark Street entrance to the large, open-plan ground floor workshop, where the 47 feet 7-inch Universal Testing Machine forms an iconic focal point. There is a step up to the small self-contained office (seats up to 6 people around a wooden desk). Stone steps (no lift) lead down to the basement with a small meeting area that can seat up to 15, an atmospheric top-lit under-pavement corridor and more original machinery in further workshop rooms. There are basic facilities in the building itself and arrangements can also be made with neighbouring hotels and restaurants.