topps35's blog

Solstice continued

topps35 - Saturday, March 6, 2010 - 4:41am
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Planning have given us a date of 22nd of April, which is a good thing as it gives us an extra month! Never thought we'd be grateful to beurocracy. Going well, have had the face compared to Easter Island, the Maoris and ancient egypt which says to me that he is suitably ancient. Planning to change the name to 'the ancestor' The druid refers to him as this and we think it broadens him to being everyones ancestor. Possibly considering a big sun staff the ensure balance. There is a 2 tonne base to go on yet, so might not need it. Speaking to the engineer today. Michelle is already eyeing up telegraph poles. We think we are on target, have been criticised for paying too much attention to detail(grin) delighted to be proved right. the details thats shown in the picture are brilliant we thought they might disappear but stand out really well. The face and collar bones in particular. Meeting with The Holiday Inn next week to start planning grand opening. General consensus seems to be small 'civic' ceremony with local councillors, business,press and local galleries etc and to use this to publicise the Druid blessing open to all. We wioll be making him a summer garland with local community to celebrate the solstice and hope to have the blessing on solstice eve this year.


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solstice

topps35 - Saturday, February 27, 2010 - 2:38am
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Just found out we cannot install on 20th due to planning, not sure of revised date yet. No bad thing as due to high winds recently, a poor aerodynamic design, and much concern we got a structural engineer to go over it. Bit of triangulation needed in the legs. Andy looks hilarious keep popping up through his waist. Working off a platform to shape head and neck took about 3 times longer, working at height is so frustrating. Really exciting news, I have been put in contact with the Stonehende druid order, who really like the sculpture. He calls him the ancestor and will be blessing him in full ceremony. Working hard but exciting times.


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Solstice

topps35 - Friday, February 12, 2010 - 12:42am

Starting on the head today, so excited, been really looking forward to this bit. Alterations carried out from last Sunday when we put the 2 halves together went well. Much happier with overall shapes now.


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forging stainless steel

topps35 - Monday, June 15, 2009 - 9:15am

Are there any tips for forging stainless steel.Is the heating process the same as steel. Have some stainless bar left over from a job and looking forward to experimenting. Thought this time we'd ask for advice before we start, experience is a wonderful thing!


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How to apply gold leaf?

topps35 - Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 10:40am

Hi
We have been asked to make a very intricate scroll pattern bed head with gold leaf on it. Bed head is well underway and gold leaf ordered, but we are not sure how to apply it to metal. Has anyone used goldleaf to accentuate a pattern? Would you mind giving a bief description of how to do it?


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New figurative art competition in UK

topps35 - Sunday, May 25, 2008 - 1:17am

Good day to you all
News for all UK artists, there is a new at competition being launched this year at the Mall Galleries London. The Threadneedle figurative art prize. Submissions due by 20th June, prize fund totals £35,000. Visit the mall galleries page and click on the theadneedle prize.


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Cant seem to post pictures! Any suggestions?

topps35 - Saturday, April 26, 2008 - 2:59am

Refusing to upload any pictures, any suggestions?


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Metal shrinking / stretching machine

topps35 - Monday, February 25, 2008 - 5:25pm

Hi guys and gals
We are looking for a metal shrinker/stretcher and have come up with nothing in UK so are looking to the USA. We have contacted TM Technologies who supply a kit and plans to put your own together. Have any of you heard of them or have a machine from them? It is an air powered sheet metal power hammer for shaping 3D sheet metal, esp car bodies. We would prefer to buy from UK or Europe if at all poss, if anyone has any recommendations. Andy is getting busy with old cars, working on a 1930 rapier lagonda at the moment, new rear and rear wings followed by a whole new front end for a 50's austin healey. Picture attached of 1925 Renault which he made running boards and wings for. His poor old arms are getting very tired and there is only so much you can do with a cut and weld!


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unashamedly canvessing votes!

topps35 - Friday, January 18, 2008 - 3:47am

Hi guys
we have entered our copper torso into an online competition at Saatchi online and would like to invite you to vote if you like the piece.
Direct link to our piece
http://www.saatchi-gallery.co.uk/showdown/indexphp?showpic=110513


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