Kirkaldy’s Testing Works in Southwark is to Materials Testing what Greenwich is to Time.
“Treat your inner engineer, go visit!"
We welcome everyone to this authentic, historic innovation space in the heart of London’s Bankside, to celebrate how science and design can solve engineering’s challenges. And get hands on with historic working machines. Go on, break something.
Carved above the door is David Kirkaldy’s declaration ‘Facts not Opinions’. Inside, his 116 ton Universal Testing Machine, which set world standards for engineering, still breaks metal today. Come and see for yourself!
“Our visit was brought to life by your wonderful volunteers…What a stimulating time, and an amazing space. A huge thank you to you all!” The Bompas & Parr team
The Testing Works has a mission to support STEM and STEAM excellence. David Kirkaldy declared his faith in ‘Facts not Opinions’ right over the door. You can help us keep our doors open for tomorrow’s engineers, designers and innovators — visit, bring your group or hold your corporate event with us.
Meet our partners Find out how you can join them
Today, Kirkaldy’s workshop is an inspiring learning space. Our machines bring the fundamental principles of science and engineering to life in our Material Difference learning programme. Ask us how
Learn about Kirkaldy’s Classroom, our new learning programme for schools and colleges.
Volunteer! Join our team to help as we bring Kirkaldy’s to life.
Just visiting? Book your tickets for an upcoming open day tour or our new, evening taster tours.
Corporate event or filming? Get in touch to see how we can help!
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Find out about our next open days:
On 1 January 1874 Scottish engineer David Kirkaldy opened the world’s first purpose-built, independent commercial materials testing house at 99 Southwark Street London. Inside, his patented 116-ton hydraulic-powered Universal Testing Machine could exert a force of up to 1,000,000lb, bringing rigorous new understanding to the strength of construction materials. Outside, he declared his independence over the door, ‘Facts Not Opinions’. The machine, and his challenge, are still here today.
Machines in action, not glass cases.
After three generations, and close to 100 years in business, Kirkaldy’s Testing Works has a new mission. Volunteers now open the unique, atmospheric workshop with its still-working Universal Testing Machine to visitors, engineers, artists – everyone who wants to discover and bring new life to this remarkable place, which changed the way we built our world.
In 2024 we are celebrating 150 years since the opening of the Testing & Experimenting Works at 99 Southwark Street. Today it runs on volunteer power — why not join us, and help us safeguard, share and celebrate this remarkable place for the next generation! Find out how
You can also support the Testing Works by making a donation or buying our book Facts Not Opinions, 150 Years of Testing.
