Derbyshire engineer's work is celebrated at a new exhibition

A British aviation engineer, Barnes is most famous for his design of the ‘bouncing bomb’ used for air attacks on German dams in the Second World War.

The drum-shaped bombs were engineered to bounce over water, rolling down to the base of the dam’s wall where they would explode causing flooding that would affect industrial production in the area.

The display of ‘126 most influential engineers’ honours a range of engineers, past and present, from around the world. It celebrates the achievements of those who have dramatically improved the quality of our lives over the years with innovative ideas and problem solving capabilities.

All of those featured in the showcase are considered as having an impact on human kind and as reflecting the development of engineering over the 144-year history of the IET.

Other engineers presented in the display include Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, physicist Albert Einstein and pioneers of aviation, the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur.

The showcase comes among several other new features such as the digital chandelier, live video walls and display of ‘100 engineering ideas that changed the world’ as part of the re-opening of Savoy Place following a £30 million refurbishment of the building.

Simon Timmis, senior marketing manager for IET Venues and Events, said: “The development of these exhibits is hugely exciting for all involved.

“It represents and celebrates the best in engineering accomplishments and reminds us of the huge positive impact that technological invention can have. We are very much looking forward to showcasing it.”

For more information on the new exhibition visit: www.savoyplace.theiet.org/engineering-hub/discover/gallery/index.cfm.