Unusual’s primary business concerns suspension, which sounds relatively simple until one takes a closer look at the broad range of skills required to successfully hang a heavy item.

Initially, examination of the item to be suspended will establish the nature of the fixing points and their positions. During the lifting and positioning process, care must be taken not to introduce excess stress and strain. Prior to the lifting operation, structural calculations and proof loading will have been done to establish that the building or structure is capable of supporting the required weight. All the suspension assemblies and bracketry will have been designed and fabricated at our premises in Northampton.

Although Unusual have executed thousands of temporary installations over the years, we have recently completed the installation of a collection of permanent exhibits at The Science Museum in London. Unlike concert or theatre rigging, where the suspension assemblies are rarely seen, the slightest dirty thumb mark will show up in a museum environment. At the same time, the items that are subject to suspension are priceless. With absolutely no room for error, the full range of skills available from the team at Unusual Rigging were used to provide the necessarily lateral solutions to a number of complex problems.

The schedule of works supplied by or client meant that the first item to be hung in the new gallery was the largest - the Electra twin engine turbo prop plane. Although the skin is made of aluminium, the total weight of the plane was 3.5 tonnes. Once the plane was lifted into position, it occupied a substantial portion of the airspace, which presented us with the challenging task of installing a V2 missile beyond the aircraft and in a confined corner of the gallery.