Artist Holly Hendry was looking for a fabricator to assist with the production of an ambitious public artwork commission; a 3.8 metre sculpture consisting of 9 individual casts, 3 sprayed aluminium sections and a steel rib interlocking together. Installed within the newly opened main entrance to Selfridges, the sculpture marks the beginning of a new commissioning partnership with Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
Our role began with consultation, and developed to encompass project management, CAD design, fabrication and installation.
Our approach to the production of these large-scale and complex moulds was to CNC the profile of the sculpture, and extrude the form using the cut profile as ribs, before being clad with a flexible MDF skin. Following extensive prototyping, our team developed the artist's proposal into a full CAD model. The geometries of the object's profile were rationalised to allow for production. From this, sections of the object were separated to design each mould.
As well as these complex moulds, our team also designed the interior structural steelwork for approval by structural engineers. With on-site installation and transportation in mind, the steelwork was designed in two parts. Additionally, the installation of this bespoke object necessitated the design and production of ancillary steelwork, such as lifting beams and clamps.
In our wood workshop, over 100 sheets of material were processed using our CNC and table saw. We then assembled each mould, constructing the external rib structures before skinning each with MDF and finishing ready for casting. Once complete, each part was cast by the artist.
The bespoke metal components were processed by waterjet cutters ML Fabcuts, and then assembled and sprayed in-house. In addition, a decorative metal rib was assembled from laser cut and folded parts, and finished with a black patina.
Once the structural assembly was complete, finishing touches were added by the artist. After extensive planning, on-site assembly in the newly refurbished entrance hall for Selfridges' central London flagship store was managed and completed by our installation team. 'Phyllis' will remain on public display in Selfridges until Autumn 2018, before relocation to Yorkshire Sculpture Park.
