Blue Whale Suspension - Natural History Museum
Bespoke Stainless Steel Cable Assemblies at the NHM London.
As part of a new exhibition "Whales: Beneath the surface" at the London Natural History Museum, a 25-metre blue whale skeleton has taken centre stage, replacing the much-loved Diplodocus dinosaur "Dippy".
Set in the stunning surroundings of the Hintze Hall, Waterhouse building, this blue whale skeleton is suspended in the air using stainless steel wire rope assemblies, engineered and manufactured by S3i Group.
Our managing director James Arrowsmith worked closely with the engineers regarding loading capacities and anchor points, ensuring that the blue whale could be safely suspended.
S3i coordinated on the armature fittings for this impressive project, including a bespoke fitting for end of rod, positioned in the back of skull.
Each bespoke cable has been created in house by our rigging guru Thom, with each stainless steel wire rope assembly produced precisely to length, with end fittings swaged to the exact angle specified.
A combination of swaged toggle, toggle fork, shackle toggle and threaded stud end fixings have been used to achieve the best suspension solution possible.
Stainless steel wire rope assemblies were used as they offered high strength and reflective properties that made the cables less visible in the lighting conditions.
S3i also oversaw the design and manufacture of the highly polished stainless steel delta and square connecting plates.
Learn more about Whales: 'Beneath the surface' Exhibition at the Natural History Museum, London.
