European Springs & Pressings Ltd has developed a custom spring mechanism that forms part of the security supporting an anti-climb zone on the soon to be launched new Tate Modern.
The new spring project not only had the pressure of delivering to the world’s most visited modern art gallery, but had to be delivered within an incredibly tight time frame.
The company, which has sites in London, Cornwall and Leeds, was approached by award-winning external façade designers, James and Taylor.
Managing director of European Springs & Pressings, Stuart McSheehy explained: “This really was a race against the clock as the scaffolding on the Tate Modern was being removed and James and Taylor’s anti-climb installation had to be implemented within days.”
Design Director at James and Taylor, John Champion commented: “Stuart and his team could not have been more dedicated to delivering our brief. We appreciated it was a really tight turnaround, but they were fearless and achieved the near impossible – securing high numbers of an exceptional quality of product and in a matter of days too.”
“I asked if they needed somebody to fan the guys on the shop floor with ostrich feathers or pop grapes in their mouths – fortunately this was turned down. However we made sure grapes, feathers and refreshments were delivered as a small sign of our gratitude.”
McSheehy concluded: “Engineering is an art form and it’s quite fitting really that we have played a very small part in supporting the most iconic modern art development in the world.”
The Tate Modern’s new ten-storey building is due to open on June 17, 2016.
Future of Making Things
Launched by Autodesk and The Manufacturer – and supported by key partners, the Future of British Manufacturing Initiative takes a hands-on approach to enable British design and manufacturing companies to respond to the challenges of trends the likes of Industry 4.0 and the Internet of Things.
Gain a firmer grasp of the trends that are shaping design and manufacturing, and how other companies are already responding to them, by attending one of the four regional Future of Making Things event at a High Value Manufacturing Catapult Centre:
- May 25, The MTC – Coventry
- June 15, AMRC, Rotherham
- September 21, AFRC, Renfrew
