The Media Archive for Central England is the public screen archive for the East and West Midlands. An independent charity and company based at the University of Lincoln, MACE acquires, catalogues, preserves and makes widely available moving image materials that inform our understanding of the diverse cultures and histories of communities between the Lincolnshire coast and the Welsh border.
This film is part of Free
Video Player is loading.
Papplewick Pumping Station
With brass polished and a good head of steam Papplewick's pumping station is a lasting legacy to Mariott Ogle Tarbotton.
From the collection of:
Overview
Bev Smith visits the historic pumping station at Papplewick in Nottinghamshire. Designed to supply water to the city of Nottingham and equipped with two huge James Watt beam engines, reputed to be the last ever built by the company, the building is a shrine to Victorian engineering prowess. The lavish use of stained glass and decoration is even more surprising when we learn that, during its life, the building was only ever seen by employees of the city's water company.
Mariott Ogle Tarbotton was actually the borough engineer for Nottingham from 1859, which is a few years earlier than Bev Smith states in his report for ATV Today. According to Tarbotton's obituary he was taken ill whilst at work in 1887 and died shortly afterwards, with the pressure of his work suggested as a contributing factor. The pumping station at Papplewick was opened in 1884 and was in continuous use until 1969. Following restoration it continues to be steamed and enjoyed on special occasions. Another of Tarbotton's enduring legacies is Nottingham's Trent Bridge which was opened in 1871.
Related
Watch for free
Know Your Midlands No. 11 Know Your Midlands No. 11
News 1957 5 mins Silent Location: Newstead Abbey
From its modern coal mining industry to the historic Major Oak - this sedate tour of north Nottinghamshire highlights the county's contrasts.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Tangerine New Perspectives: Tangerine
Short documentary 2025 3 mins
Harry Wallace, a student at Northumbria university, explains why Sean Baker's LA-set comedy-drama, about a transgender sex worker on the hunt for her cheating -ex, is worth your time.
Watch for free
Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode Daniel Craig in Conversation with Mark Kermode
Inside Film 2025 44 mins
Daniel Craig talks to Mark Kermode about his acting career, from his early role in Love is the Devil through to the Luca Guadagnino directed Queer.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Fish Tank New Perspectives: Fish Tank
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Adam Smith of Northumbria University explains why Andrea Arnold's coming-of-age story, about a girl who uses dance to escape, is his favourite film on BFI Player.
Watch for free
New Perspectives: Pusher New Perspectives: Pusher
Short documentary 2025 5 mins
Noah Ball of Northumbria University explains why you should seize the chance to watch Nicolas Winding Refn's debut.
Watch for free
Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A Twin Peaks star Kyle MacLachlan on working with David Lynch - Q&A
Inside Film 2025 38 mins
Kyle MacLachlan talks to BFI CEO Ben Roberts about working with David Lynch on the legendary series Twin Peaks.
Watch for free
On Falling - Exclusive Q&A On Falling - Exclusive Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
Writer-director Laura Carreira talks to Nia Childs about her debut feature, On Falling.