Atmos supports restoration of historic steam engine at Science and Industry Museum
Seven years ago, Atmos International (Atmos) made a donation towards the restoration of a historic steam engine as part of the newly reimagined Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester (UK). The gallery celebrates the city’s rich history of innovation and engineering excellence.
Science Museum Group © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
The restored diagonal steam engine, built by John Wood Ltd of Ramsbottom in 1890, was used to power machinery that printed patterns onto cotton cloth. Thanks to Atmos’ support, the engine has been carefully restored and now takes pride of place in the museum’s newly refurbished Power Hall. Seven steam engines in total have been restored and they are powered by green energy generated by air source heat pumps.
"It’s a privilege to play a part in preserving Manchester’s industrial story," said Atmos’ CEO and founder Dr Jun Zhang. "As a company rooted in innovation and engineering, we’re proud to contribute to a project that connects today’s technology with the ingenuity that shaped modern industry."
The Science and Industry Museum’s Power Hall is one of Manchester’s most iconic galleries, home to a collection of engines that once powered the world’s first industrial city. Following extensive restoration, visitors can once again experience the sights, sounds and energy of working steam engines that bring the city’s industrial past to life.
From steam power to smart pipelines: a shared spirit of innovation
The story of John Wood of Ramsbottom, the engineer who built the diagonal steam engine, mirrors that of Dr Jun Zhang.
Science Museum Group © The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum
More than a century apart, both share a passion for practical innovation and problem-solving. Wood’s compact, precisely engineered steam engines helped power Manchester’s textile trade at the height of the Industrial Revolution. Jun, who founded Atmos in Manchester in 1995 after developing pioneering leak detection technology at Shell, transformed her academic research into practical tools now used on over 2,000 pipelines worldwide.
Both engineers turned ideas into impact, one advancing mechanical power in the 19th century, the other advancing digital technology for safer energy transport today. Their shared Manchester roots highlight the city’s enduring role as a home for innovation and engineering excellence.
Atmos’ CEO Dr Jun Zhang, R&D director Andy Hoffman and other representatives from Atmos attended the reopening event, joining fellow supporters and museum staff to celebrate the completed restoration of the Power Hall and its role in inspiring STEM education and the next generation of innovators.
Filmmaker and Manchester native Danny Boyle even made a surprise appearance as guest speaker, sharing his reflections on the city’s creative and industrial spirit.
Atmos International’s involvement in Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery reflects its continued commitment to supporting engineering education, innovation and the local community
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