Hammond & Champness

Replacing Old Fashioned Lifts: A Guide to Hammond & Champness and Shepard Systems

Throughout the 20th century, two lift brands stood out for their contributions to home and passenger lift technology: Hammond & Champness in the UK and Shepard Elevators in the US. These companies were pioneers in the field of hydraulic passenger elevators, known for their reliability and quiet operation. Today, many of their lifts are still in use, though parts are hard to find and servicing has become difficult due to discontinued models and defunct support. At Only Lifts, we’re passionate about preserving the legacy of these classic brands while offering modern lift replacements that are safer, more energy-efficient and easier to maintain. Whether you own a Hammond & Champness or a Shepard Elevator, our team can help you upgrade your lift system while preserving the character and charm of your property.

A Brief History of Hammond & Champness

Founded in 1905 by cousins Ernest Hammond and Harold Champness, Hammond & Champness (originally Hammond Brothers and Champness Ltd.) was one of the first British elevator manufacturers to specialise in water-powered hydraulic elevators. Their early innovations focused on silent and smooth lift systems, catering to both residential and commercial needs. After going bankrupt in 1932, the company was taken over by E Pollard & Co. Ltd. but continued operating under the well-known Hammond & Champness name. A significant acquisition came in 1967 when they bought Aldous & Campbell’s hydraulic elevator business.

The Dover and Thyssen

Remaining independent until 1971, Hammond & Champness was eventually bought by the Dover Corporation, marking Dover’s formal entry into the UK elevator market. H+C continued producing their own lift components from their London facility but started sharing some designs, particularly door gear mechanisms, with Dover. By the late 1970s, H+C was essentially a brand for Dover elevators in the UK. The company even began designing its own elevator control systems in the 1980s. However, the brand’s independence slowly faded, and in 1999, it was absorbed into Thyssen, which later became thyssenkrupp. Unlike the Dover name, which lingered until 2001, H+C was quickly phased out.

Notable H+C Elevator Models

Over the decades, Hammond & Champness produced several iconic lifts. Some of the more memorable models include:

Vernier-Cushion Control (VCC): Known for its whisper-quiet operation and precise floor levelling, two VCC units were famously installed at Highpoint I in Highgate, London.
The Warden: Designed for elderly homes and residential care facilities.
The Balmoral and The Windsor: Elegant hydraulic lifts made for office and residential buildings.
Type 42: A solid choice for residential buildings of its era.

These lifts were highly regarded for their build quality, but today many are reaching the end of their lifecycle, making lift modernisation a priority.

The Story Behind Shepard Home Lifts

Founded in 1921 in Cincinnati, Ohio, by Oscar F Shepard and Stanley M Rowe, Shepard Elevators was a key name in the US home lift market. The company merged with Warner Elevator Manufacturing in 1955 and was acquired by Dover Corporation in 1958. The Shepard name didn’t last long after the acquisition, but its legacy continues through the Electric Elevator Division of Dover.

Much like Hammond & Champness, the Shepard Elevator was popular for small footprint installations and served many private homes well into the late 20th century. But now, many of these lifts have become difficult to service due to a lack of replacement parts.

Why Modern Lift Replacements Make Sense

While old-fashioned lifts have character, they also come with limitations. Ageing systems can become unsafe, hard to repair and non-compliant with current safety standards. Replacing them with modern systems is often more economical than constant repairs. With limited availability of original lift fixtures, controller panels from the 1980s, and lift capacity signs, it’s becoming harder to maintain authenticity without sacrificing function. At Only Lifts, we offer seamless replacements for old lift brands, preserving as much of the original aesthetic as possible while upgrading to modern functionality.

What We Recommend to Replace H+C and Shepard Lifts

We supply and install a wide range of modern lifts to replace older lifts like Hammond & Champness and Shepard Elevators:

Stiltz: Ideal for compact homes and retrofits.
Aritco: Sleek Scandinavian design with excellent energy efficiency.
PVE (Pneumatic Vacuum Elevators): Innovative and space-saving.
Altura: Versatile and customisable.
Terry Lifts: Known for reliability and ease of installation.

Each of these systems is designed to be safe, energy-efficient and low maintenance, making them excellent alternatives to ageing Hammond & Champness or Shepard lifts.

Have you got a Hammond & Champness or a Shepard Lift?

Let Only Lifts replace it for a newer and safer lift.

Enquire Now

Before

After

What Happened to Hammond & Champness?

A common question we get is: what happened to Hammond & Champness? The short answer is that they became part of Thyssen elevators, which later became Thyssenkrupp Elevator UK, and are now under TK Elevators. The H+C brand itself is no longer in use, but some of their lifts are still in service. We often see these models in older British residential buildings, particularly where owners want to maintain the architectural charm of the original installation.

Hammond & Champness Over the Years

Let’s Plan Your Lift Upgrade

If your old Hammond & Champness or Shepard lift is showing signs of age, let’s talk. At Only Lifts, we make it easy to upgrade with modern, reliable home lift solutions that fit your space and style. Whether you’re replacing a legacy model or starting fresh, our team is here to help every step of the way.