The history of the Wapping run-of-river power plant

The Wapping Hydraulic Power Station, on Wapping Wall, was built by the London Hydraulic Power Company in 1890. As one of five London river power stations of its kind, it used the water of the Thames to generate and supply energy. This not only benefited the surrounding ports, but also some areas of central London, which were in a very privileged position at the time. As the flagship building of the London Hydraulic Power Company, the Wapping river power station served as a model for the power stations in Argentina, Australia, New York and Europe.

Celebrated for its unique combination of historic architecture with sophisticated contemporary art, the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station was refurbished with upscale dining in inspiring architecture and reopened in October 2000 under the name 'The Wapping Project'.

Before the global use of electricity, hydraulic power units such as those at the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station in London were a viable alternative to other sources of power generation. They generated power for everything from harbor cranes and bridges to the elevators in private homes in the London boroughs of Kensington and Mayfair. In the 1930s, the heyday of hydraulic power, more than 33,000,000 gallons of water a week were pumped under the streets of London. It raised and lowered almost anything that needed to be moved up and down. As a power source, hydraulic power units had a number of advantages. They were cheap, efficient and easy to use along some 186 miles of underground cast iron pipelines. Tower Bridge depended on hydraulic power, as did countless offices in the City and department stores in the West End. They were also immensely important to London theater: the revolving stages at both the London Palladium and the Coliseum were hydraulically powered, as were the elevators for the organ consoles at Leicester Square Theatre and the Odeon Marble Arch; the fire curtains - both of Drury Lane and Her Majesty's Theatre - were also operated in this way. Hydraulic power packs were also used extensively in all museums, for example to control the picture elevator at the Royal Academy and for the hydrants at the National Gallery.

Having just been built, the pumping station in Wapping was powered by steam. Coal was delivered from the neighboring Shadwell Basin and fired six steam boilers and their pumping engines. Two electrically powered turbine pumps were added in 1923 and the whole station was modernized in the 1950s to run on electricity. However, as electricity became cheaper and electronically operated devices became increasingly sophisticated, industry and private households turned away from hydraulic power units.

Gradually, the London Hydraulic Power Company's stations were closed; by the mid-1970s, only the Wapping Hydraulic Power Station remained, which also finally closed in 1977. It was the last of its kind, not just in London, but in the world. Although used for over a century, hydraulic power is now largely forgotten. The opening of the Wapping River Power Station as a public venue offers a fascinating insight into London's industrial history. The Wapping Project brings this to life in a unique way.

Location

Wapping Hydraulic Power Station is located on the north bank of the River Thames in the eastern borough of Wapping, midway between the City of London and Canary Wharf. Between the old Shadwell Basin and the famous pub 'The Prospect of Whitby', it occupies a site of considerable historical importance. Originally a timber-framed farmhouse, The Prospect opened in 1543 and is London's oldest riverside pub. It was first known as the Devil's Tavern, and Judge Jeffries and Samuel Pepys are both thought to be early proprietors.

The hydraulic power station, listed as a Grade 2 listed building, is adjacent to old riverside buildings such as Metropolitan Wharf, the Jubilee and Lusk Wharves. These - together with the hydraulic power station - form the heart of the Wapping Wall conservation area. The site in turn is located within Wapping, an area that has undergone significant regeneration following the establishment of the London Docklands Development Corporation in 1981. The structural change in London's Docklands is one of the most successful project urban regeneration projects in Europe. Since the opening of the London Underground Jubilee Line Extension in 1999, Wapping has been easily accessible from all parts of London. Visitors first take the Jubilee Line, change at Canada Water and travel two stops on the East London Line to Wapping.

Architectural development

The Wapping Hydraulic Power Station was built in 1890, with alterations and additions carried out in 1923. Today it is a Grade 2 listed building and the architectural aim was to retain as much of the existing fabric and machinery as possible. To preserve both the atmosphere of the power station with its industrial past and the archaeological details that underlie it. The Wapping Project has carefully restored this historic building to its essential structural form and provides characterful exhibition and performance spaces. These are located in the Boiler House and Filter House, both of which have been restored to their original 1890 form.

In order to meet the requirements of a variety of uses (one floor was flooded during the opening installation), the rooms were designed for maximum flexibility. The building can be used as a completely empty space or with seating for 350 people. More space will be created by erecting a new clerestory and roof. This will sit on top of the cast-iron water tanks and the solid masonry floor that connects the tanks to the engine house. In daylight, the floating roof construction above the transparent clerestory will be visible. It emphasizes the overall appearance and details of the original brick building and, of course, the imposing tanks.

At night, when the clerestory is illuminated from the inside, it will act like a lighthouse and promote The Wapping Project throughout the neighborhood. A new building with additional gallery and office space is also to be built on the site. The new architectural additions are state of the art, providing a harmonious but clear distinction between what is old and what is new. The new interweavings are intended to emphasize the industrial touch of the building through their own lightness - for example, through a new, free-floating boiler house staircase that will not touch the ground.

The primary elements of the new structures consist of steel, slate and glass, in combination with the interesting interplay of light and transparency in the new building. Combined with the heaviness of the original building, this enhances the effect of both. Rules have been broken to give the contemporary elements a hint of architectural transience, for example with stairs made of untreated steel that develop a patina of rust. The new work identifies with the beauty of the historic building and, above all, aims to provide a backdrop in which artists can create a wide range of contemporary art.

Innovative interior

This exciting ambience is home to one of London's most unusual restaurants. The archaic architecture is emphasized by the furnishings. The curved, ergonomically shaped design classics such as the Panton Chair by Verner Panton and the Plastic Side Chair by Charles & Ray Eames can be found here as well as the Tom Vac Chair by Ron Arad. The food from the daily changing menu tastes even better in the comfort of your own bed, with so much flavor and beauty. Lunch or dinner during the week and brunch at the weekend - what more could a man or woman of the world want?