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Galvanizers Protect Retirement Sculpture for RAF Veteran

A galvanizing company has future-proofed a bespoke retirement gift for a RAF veteran, ensuring it can withstand the elements in its new home.

Katie Ventress, an artist-blacksmith from North Yorkshire, was commissioned to design and create a Heron sculpture as a retirement present for a former RAF personnel. The entire piece – which includes the bird, the bulrushes, a dragonfly, and a gecko lizard – was created using both solid and hollow steel forms.

She said: “Every element of the sculpture has personal significance to the recipient. A Heron was chosen as it was a bird that they spotted when in Dubai and at home in Yorkshire, snowdrops were added on the water’s edge as a nod to the nickname given to those in the RAF, and the lizard represents memories made with his children.

“Following six weeks of fabrication, and much thought, care, and attention to detail, I knew that it had to be galvanized – to ensure it would withstand the elements in its new home in the Yorkshire Dales. Plus, a galvanized finish gifts me the ability to create light and dark shaded areas, helping to create contrasts, shadows, and further enhance the overall aesthetic.”

Katie enlisted the support of Hull-based Humber Galvanizing, where the Heron sculpture was hot dipped in molten zinc at temperatures around 450C to allow for a metallurgically-bonded coating to be formed.

“I’ve worked with the team at Humber Galvanizing for over eight years now, and I’d never use anybody else,” Katie continued. “The entire team always seems genuinely excited to see my latest project, and I know it’s in the safest of hands. It’s always such a positive and personable experience – from the very first phone call to arrange collection, through to the final delivery of the finished piece.”

Tony Linsley, Sales Manager at Humber Galvanizing, added: “It’s such a pleasure to work with Katie – her artwork never fails to amaze and inspire our entire team. And thanks to its galvanized coating, we’re thrilled that this Heron sculpture will be enjoyed by a very worthy recipient for decades, without being tarnished by rust or corrosion.”

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