Hire our unique space
Get creative in the Testing Works!
Kirkaldy’s Testing Works is an extraordinary historical and industrial location within sight of Tate Modern and the Shard in the heart of London’s Bankside. It offers a unique and atmospheric setting for film shoots and photography, interactive art installations and events like launches, informal networking, meetings and celebrations.
Take a look…
Our spaces
“I was delighted to be filming at 99 Southwark Street once more… to have the chance to bring this special story to ‘The One Show’ audience. Kirkaldy's machine, so lovingly cared for by the volunteers is crucially more than just a museum piece: it still works, and to see it in action is truly special.”
- Marty Jopson, science presenter BBC One, The One Show
Film locations
The workshop, office and basement corridor are popular and central locations for filming. Kirkaldy’s Testing Works has appeared on The One Show, London Live, Crimewatch and Bettany Hughes’s BBC Four series Genius of the Modern World – appropriately, given where the two men are buried, in the episode on Karl Marx. To find out more email info@testingworks.org
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.
Corporate events
“Our Construction team hosted a fantastic event at Kirkaldy’s Testing Works. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves, especially the enthusiastic demonstration of the hydraulic powered Universal Testing Machine.”
Marketing & Business Development Manager, Boodle Hatfield
Get in touch for more information and to discuss your event:
info@testingworks.org.uk
Cultural events
Kirkaldy’s Testing Works offers opportunities for artists as well as scientists to explore the potential for ‘Facts not Opinions’. As part of Southwark’s ‘Blackfriars Stories’ and MERGE festivals we have partnered with many arts and cultural practitioners. We have hosted immersive commissions by Bompas & Parr, Trope and James Capper as well as taking outreach work into the local community, through projects such as The Innovator’s Imaginarium, which celebrated and took inspiration from inventors and innovators who lived in Southwark and who have made a significant contribution to the world.
Kirkaldy’s is also an enthusiastic partner in London-wide cultural celebrations like Open House, Heritage Open Days and the Thames Festival.