A HISTORICAL lift at the University of Essex has become a surprise hit on social media, garnering thousands of views.
The paternoster lift, which is based at the complex's Wivenhoe campus, is one of the last remaining in the country.
The historic machine, located in the Albert Sloman Library, has always been an unlikely attraction for students, graduates, staff and visitors alike.
In the past it has even been used as the backdrop for a wedding photoshoot.
The lift has now become a hit sensation on social media platform TikTok, with one video receiving more than 2.3 million views.
@uniofessex we’ll let the algorithm decide.
♬ WARNING_Algorithm_View_Boost_DO_NOT_SHARE - Jeff Couret
Johnathan White, director of library and cultural services and librarian at the University of Essex, said: "Our paternoster lift is one of only three left in service in the UK.
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"As well as it keeping our students and staff moving through the library building, it has become an attraction in its own right, with visitors stopping by to see the lift in action, take a ride and get a photograph.
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"To see videos of the lift go viral on Tik Tok is fantastic and shows how genuinely intrigued and fascinated people from across the world are by it.
"In fact, it is so popular that one of our alumni from the 1980s, who has enjoyed a career as a top Hollywood special effects producer, took great delight in telling us of her memories of using the lift during her time at Essex."
The lift had been out of action for several years before its renovation in 2020, which saw new drive gears and chains installed, along with new lighting and a traffic lights system to improve safety.
Mr White added: "Since the lift opened in 1967, generations of students and academics have ridden it to find the books they need and get to the study space of their choice.
"It is now being used daily by a new generation of students and we are proud that this unique part of our university will be used by students for generations to come."
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