A leading galvanizing company has been called upon to provide protection to an unusual and eye-catching sculpture for prestigious gardens in Bristol.
The team at Newport Galvanizers has applied its specialist hot dip galvanizing finish to 126 kilos of steel used to create a sculpture called ‘The Dancing Anteater’, which was recently showcased at the Art and Sculpture Festival at Bristol Botanic Gardens.
The piece was designed by Sam Bailey, a specialist blacksmith, and Dan Arnold, an experienced illustrator, who combined their artistic talents.
Sam explained: “I’m thrilled to have had the opportunity to work alongside Dan Arnold, having known him for many years and being a big fan of his work. The Dancing Anteater was the result of one of his designs coming to life in the form of a metal sculpture. It took a few weeks to create, and we started by making a skeletal structure which we eventually covered in steel. We didn’t have any real plans for the actual making of the sculpture but sometimes I find it best allowing the materials and shapes to influence the next move.”
Once completed, the structure was protected against long-term weathering and rust by Newport Galvanizers – part of Wedge Group Galvanizing – and then installed at Bristol Botanic Gardens.
Sam added: “As a small business, I regularly use galvanizing as a finish, which many of my customers specify due to the appearance and its innate ability to make the steel durable. One of my other customers told me of an unfortunate event recently when there was an unexpected fire close to some new railings I’d made her – luckily no one was harmed and the galvanized finish remained intact. She couldn’t believe how robust the finish was and suggested NASA should be told about it!”
Mike Small, Commercial Manager at Newport Galvanizers, explained: “We’re delighted to have worked with Sam Bailey for this eye-catching sculpture, which took pride of place at the Art and Sculpture Festival, and hope to continue working with him in the months and years to come.”