Finishing - May-June 2023

40 GALVANIZING
Stag-gering project
Abespoke sculpture made from a
budding metalworker has been
protected against the elements, thanks
to a local galvanizing company.
East Anglian Galvanizing Ltd was called
upon to galvanize a life-sized sculpture of a
stag for 20-year-old, Cambridgeshire-based
sculptor creator, Harry Jackson.
Harry explained, “I thoroughly enjoy
creating and designing bespoke steel pieces of
art. My most recent project is a stag sculpture,
which is a belated Christmas gift for my nan
as she really wanted something eye-catching
and unique for her garden.
“Having learned many of the skills
necessary through my current role as a
Welder and Fabricator at a nuclear waste
container company, my hobby has developed
over the years. Unfortunately, my biggest
challenge is the equipment – I don’t have the
funds available to splash out on all the
specialist tools and machines, so I’ve had to be
creative and adapt on my own so that I can
pursue this passion.”
Standing at 2m tall (from feet to antlers),
the stag sculpture was first designed digitally
before being cut out of 2mm hot rolled mild
steel sheets using Harry’s homemade CNC
plasma cutter. All parts were then cleaned
through a wire wheel, bent on a homemade
press brake, and finally tacked together and
dressed down in preparation for galvanizing.
“After creation, I enlisted the help of East
Anglian Galvanizing to finish the piece off,”
Harry continued. “I’ve worked with them
before when I galvanized two other animal
sculptures, and they were incredibly helpful.
“With no prior knowledge or experience in
this industry, I nervously approached them
requesting their help to protect the pieces. I
needn’t have worried - they told me exactly
what I needed to do to ensure they were safe
to dip, and the friendly team supported me
throughout the entire process. And, when
completed, I was so impressed – the finish
was impeccable! I’ll be visiting them again
soon with my next project.”
The galvanizing process saw the stag
entirely dipped in a large bath of molten zinc
at 450oc, ensuring it’s protected from
corrosion for more than 70 years.
Jake Pinner, sales manager at East Anglian
Galvanizing added: “Harry is exceptionally
talented, and it’s been a real pleasure
supporting him in galvanizing his sculptures.
It’s so very refreshing to see someone of his
age take such an interest in this sector, and be
so proactive and dynamic in approaching us.
We’ve enjoyed teaching Harry more about the
process and requirements, and very much
look forward to welcoming him to the plant
again with his future projects.”
East Anglian Galvanizing is part of Wedge
Group Galvanizing Ltd, the largest hot-dip
galvanizing organisation in the UK with a
history dating back over 150 years. With 14
plants strategically placed across the country,
the firm offers a truly national galvanizing
service.
Finishing - May/June 2023