17 March 2010
Fairground display shows thrills and spills of engineering
Fairground fans will be whisked on a journey at the University of Sheffield this week, to explore the engineering feats of rollercoasters and other white-knuckle fairground rides, as part of National Science and Engineering Week (12 to 21 March 2010).
An exhibition in the National Fairground Archive´s reading room, based in the University´s Western Bank Library, is currently displaying a host of material recording the engineering expertise behind fairground ride design, in a bid to celebrate science and its importance in everyday life.
The exhibition includes books and journals showcasing the extreme and the colossal feats of fairground and roller coaster design, to give people an insight into the science and engineering forces behind going upside down. Visitors can also marvel at the original design plans and blueprints from key structures such as the Blackpool Roller Coaster and Battersea Water Chute.
The display also gives people a chance to view a historical exhibition tracking 100 years of going 'upside down,' as well as flick through fairground ride manufacturers catalogues. Visitors to the reading room will also have full access to the National Fairground Archive´s database of 80,000 images.
For the duration of this event the reading room will be open Monday to Friday from 9.30am until 4.30pm.
Ian Trowell, Digital Collections Manager from the National Fairground Archive, said: "The University Library and National Fairground Archive are participating in National Science and Engineering Week with a display of resources celebrating the history of 'white-knuckle' thrill rides and roller coasters. The unique exhibit is a great chance for people to view some rare resources, such as original plans and blueprints, to ask questions about fairground forces and turning upside down, and to share ideas about how the fairgrounds and theme parks of the future might be shaped. There is something for everybody!" Notes for Editors: For a full programme of events and ticket information for National Science and Engineering Week, visit the link below.
National Science and Engineering Week is coordinated by the British Science Association and funded by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS) in partnership with Engineering Technology Board (ETB). It aims to celebrate science and its importance to everyday life, providing an opportunity for people of all ages across the UK to take part in science, engineering and technology activities.
For further information please contact: Shemina Davis, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2225339 or email shemina.davis@sheffield.ac.uk
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