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Discover the Art and Legacy of Civil Engineering at One Great George Street

Great Hall Oggs Portraits

Visitors will soon be able to discover more about the great history of the ICE and our impressive collection of artworks.

While the building is closed for its summer refurbishment, new interpretation panels and captions for our art pieces will be installed.

These will give more information about some of the individual civil engineers and engineering works depicted in the paintings and describe OGGS’s historic interiors. From Joseph Bazalgette and Thomas Pierson Frank to George and Robert Stephenson, this will be an opportunity to remember some of the most notable British civil engineers and celebrate others whose successes may have been overlooked.

 

 

Firstfloor Rotunda Oggs Portraits

Uncovering hidden achievements

With over 170 works, the ICE holds one of the largest collections of engineers’ portraits in the world. The vast majority depict our former presidents, many of which line the walls of the Presidents’ Staircase.

With little context beyond the sitters’ names, their time in office and the artists, it’s easy to walk past this sea of faces without much thought. Introducing interpretation will change all that, drawing attention to key achievements as well as to some hidden messages and intriguing imagery.

Did you know, for example, which civil engineer invented the football goal net? Who saved London’s flood defences during the Blitz? Or whose portrait depicts Baghdad’s first sewage treatment system?

 

 

Stephenson Oggs Portraits

Improving the visitor experience

This work is part of a three-year plan to improve the visitor experience at One Great George Street.

The project was started by the ICE Artwork Review Sub-Committee in response to feedback from our members and other people who use the building.

The committee partnered with cultural heritage consultants Maria Blyzinsky and Victoria Kingston of The Exhibitions Team to come up with a strategy to make better use of the art collection and historic interiors. It also aims to address the lack of representation and diversity on display.

 

 

Staircase Oggs Portraits

We encourage everyone to come and explore these enhancements once the building reopens. Whether you are an engineering enthusiast, a history aficionado, or simply curious, One Great George Street offers a fascinating journey through the achievements and stories of civil engineering pioneers.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of the ICE and gain a deeper appreciation for the monumental work that has shaped our world.