Excellence in Galvanizing
The expertise of Scottish Galvanizers has helped bring a piece of history to life as part of a project commissioned by Edinburgh Napier University.
The team was selected to work alongside artists Maja Quille and Svetlana Kondakova on a sculpture called ‘Tree of Knowledge’ which has now been installed in the grounds of the university’s new Fountainbridge development.
Based on the Great Yew of Broich, a 900-year old Scottish heritage tree near Kippen, Stirlingshire, the artwork depicts the history of Edinburgh’s Fountainbridge area which was once home to royal orchards, and uses the idea of a tree as a local meeting place.
Branches of the tree have been specially designed and created to form a bench, providing a unique place outside the university’s halls of residence to sit, congregate and reflect.
The sculpture, which stands at three metres high and which has been crafted from locally-sourced steel pipes in a variety of shapes and sizes, underwent Scottish Galvanizers’ specialist hot dip galvanizing treatment before it was officially unveiled to the public earlier this year.
Artist Maja Quille said: “The Great Yew has been a significant landmark in Scotland for hundreds of years, providing a real focal point for residents and visitors alike, and it was this notion that I wanted to recreate for this specific project. This piece of public art will be enjoyed by students, staff and local residents for many years, and choosing to employ the services of Scottish Galvanizers to protect it from the often harsh Scottish weather will mean it will last a lifetime.”
Paul Tait, Customer Service Manager at Scottish Galvanizers, explained: “Construction of this stunning sculpture which has real historical significance was a huge collaborative effort and we are absolutely delighted to have played a part in its creation.”
By Wedge Group Galvanizing Ltd
