Pure Lockers British Library

Total Locker Service supplied and installed replacement Pure steel lockers for the British Library, with the project planned around the Library’s storage requirements, chosen finish and installation date.

The project is a useful example of why locker depth, lock choice, colour, top style and installation planning should be confirmed before an order is finalised.

British Library locker requirement

The British Library required replacement staff lockers and wanted a solution that could be installed on a nominated date at the end of March.

Colour choice was also important, allowing the lockers to fit the intended environment rather than being treated as purely functional storage.

Choosing the right locker depth

The original proposal considered lockers with a depth of 300 mm. After discussing what needed to be stored, the specification was changed to 450 mm deep lockers because the shallower option would not provide enough usable space.

This is a simple but important specification decision. A locker can fit the available floor space and still be unsuitable if the internal depth does not match the clothing, bags or equipment users need to store.

Pure locker specification

The final locker specification used for the British Library project was:

Locker range	Pure steel lockers
Height	1800 mm
Width	300 mm
Depth	450 mm
Carcase colour	Grey
Door colour	Cobalt blue
Top	Sloping top
Lock	Lowe & Fletcher 4-digit mechanical combination lock with key override

For current Pure locker sizes, colours, configurations and lock options, see our Pure lockers range.

Why 450 mm deep lockers were selected

Changing the depth from 300 mm to 450 mm gave the British Library more practical internal storage without changing the basic 300 mm locker width.

• more usable space for bags and clothing;
• greater flexibility for day-to-day staff storage;
• reduced risk of specifying a locker that looked suitable on plan but was too shallow in use.

Combination locks with management override

The lockers were fitted with Lowe & Fletcher 4-digit mechanical combination locks with key override.

This avoided the need for users to carry an individual locker key during normal use while still giving authorised staff a management method for opening a locker when necessary.

For any replacement or new locker project, the lock should be chosen around how the lockers will actually be managed rather than simply selecting the lowest-cost option.

Sloping tops for the locker run

Sloping tops were incorporated into the British Library specification to discourage users from storing bags, boxes or other items on top of the lockers.

This can help keep the installation tidier and reduce inaccessible horizontal surfaces where clutter can accumulate.

Colour and appearance

The British Library selected grey locker carcases with cobalt blue doors.

Pure lockers are manufactured in a range of standard colour combinations, so colour can be considered as part of the room design rather than being left until the end of the specification process.

Locker numbering

Locker numbering can be added to support allocation, identification and maintenance. Total Locker Service manufactures engraved laminate number plates and other identification products for locker installations.

For larger projects, agreeing the numbering sequence before manufacture or installation can make allocation and handover easier.

Installation planning

The ability to work to the British Library’s nominated installation date formed part of the project requirement.

Installation planning should consider delivery access, unloading, movement through the building, the installation route, working hours and whether the area needs to remain operational while the work is completed.

For the wider process, see our Locker Installation Planning UK guide.

What this British Library project demonstrates

• Locker depth matters: the original 300 mm option was changed to 450 mm after the storage requirement was reviewed.
• Lock choice should match management: combination locks reduced normal dependence on keys while retaining override access.
• Colour can form part of the specification: grey carcases and cobalt blue doors were selected for the final scheme.
• Sloping tops can reduce clutter: the design discouraged items being stored on top of the locker run.
• Installation dates matter: the delivery and installation programme formed part of the purchasing decision.

Replacing existing workplace lockers

When replacing an existing locker installation, the old locker dimensions should not simply be copied without checking whether they still meet current requirements.

• What will users store?
• Is the existing locker deep enough?
• Should lockers be assigned or shared?
• Which lock will be easiest to administer?
• Would sloping tops, stands or plinths improve the installation?
• Does the colour scheme need to fit an existing interior?
• Can the replacement work be completed without unnecessary disruption?

For broader specification decisions, use our Locker Specification Planning UK guide.

British Library Pure Locker Project FAQs

What lockers were supplied to the British Library?

The British Library selected Pure steel lockers measuring 1800 mm high, 300 mm wide and 450 mm deep, with grey carcases, cobalt blue doors and sloping tops.

Why did the British Library choose 450 mm deep lockers?

A 300 mm deep option was considered initially, but after the storage requirement was reviewed, 450 mm deep lockers were chosen to provide more practical internal space.

What locks were fitted to the British Library lockers?

The lockers were fitted with Lowe & Fletcher 4-digit mechanical combination locks with key override.

Why were sloping tops used?

Sloping tops were included to discourage items being stored on top of the lockers and to help keep the installation tidier.

Can Pure lockers be supplied in different colours?

Yes. Pure lockers are available in a range of colour options. Current colours and availability should be checked against the latest product information before ordering.

Summary: British Library Pure locker installation

The British Library project shows how a relatively small specification change can make a significant difference to the usefulness of a locker installation.

By moving from the initially considered 300 mm depth to 450 mm, selecting combination locks with management override, using sloping tops and agreeing the colour scheme and installation date in advance, the final Pure locker specification was better matched to the Library’s practical requirements.