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Wedge Group Galvanizing’s Manchester plant has played a pivotal role in bringing a spectacular new sculptural dragon to life – and ensuring it will endure as a striking landmark for years to come.

As part of Towneley Park’s annual Nature festival, the Friends of Towneley Park (FOTP) hosted the official unveiling of a vibrant, candy-red dragon sculpture standing at 2 metres high. The idea for the piece was sparked by local FOTP member, Judith Glover, whose children’s book about dragons in the park ignited the idea to feature the creatures in its landscape.

Judith enlisted a local artist, Sarah Francis, to transform fiction into form – and galvanizing expertise from Manchester Galvanizing Ltd to protect it from corrosion and rust, safeguarding its future.

“When I was approached by FOTP I was honoured to help,” explained Sarah Francis, who specialises in upcycling by creating striking metal sculptures from scrap parts and sheet metal. “I knew from the very start that I wanted longevity.

“Outdoor sculptures face all kinds of weather, so galvanizing was essential – it gives the steel a durable, corrosion-resistant base, and also offers a neutral metallic finish that works amazingly with a candy red powder coat overlay.”

Once fabrication was complete, the sculpture was delivered to Manchester Galvanizing where it underwent hot-dip galvanizing – immersing the steel in molten zinc to create a metallurgically bonded protective coating. This method is widely regarded as the most effective way of preventing corrosion and protecting against rust for over 70 years, depending on the environment.

Mark Waters, Commercial Manager at Manchester Galvanizing, added: “We’re delighted to support such a vibrant community art project. Sarah’s work is a real example of how industrial skills can bring ideas to life, and we’re thrilled galvanizing was chosen as a must-have to ensure it can be enjoyed by park visitors for generations.”

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