A spectacular bronze sculpture of the Flying Scotsman uniquely incorporating original metal from the actual iconic 86-year-old steam locomotive was unveiled today at the National Railway Museum. A special limited edition series of these sculptures will follow all including original Flying Scotsman metal in their construction.
The sculpture project is the brainchild of a small London-based company, TMB Art Metal, which commissioned noted Harrogate based sculptor Stephen Allen to produce the master sculpture in a task that has taken eighteen months to accomplish.
A substantial contribution from the sale of each custom-made sculpture, priced at 15,000–20,000 euro, will be donated to the National Railway Museum’s newly launched S.O.S. Flying Scotsman restoration appeal. This aims to raise 250,000 euro to ensure the world famous locomotive, which 75 years ago became the first to top 100mph between London to Edinburgh, returns to the rails in 2010.
The Flying Scotsman sculptures are the latest creation from the company which specialises in producing high quality sculptures and jewellery of iconic subjects always using original donor material. Her Majesty The Queen has one of TMB’s Hurricane fighter aeroplane sculptures made of engine metal from the actual RAF Hurricane that saved Buckingham Palace from attack by ramming a German bomber during the Battle of Britain on 15th September 1940.
National Railway Museum director, Andrew Scott, said: “ These lovely sculptures represent Flying Scotsman at its very best – thundering down the mainline in steam. We are delighted that the sale of these sculptures will contribute to our restoration project and help ensure Scotsman is steaming again in 2010 and continues to do so for many years to come. ”
Christopher Bennett of TMB Art Metal, said: “ We are hugely proud of these incredible sculptures which depict, pay tribute to, and are made of, one of England's most famous and iconic engineering marvels that is Flying Scotsman. ”
About The Scotsman Sculptures
All sculptures are to be created to order from Flying Scotsman’s old firebox which was removed and declared unserviceable by the National Railway Museum during the locomotive’s restoration project. The firebox is made of copper and the metal from it is converted to silicon bronze for the purpose of casting. Ultimately this means that each sculpture will contain approximately 50% ex-Flying Scotsman metal. If desired, a purchaser can visit TMB Art Metal’s London based foundry in person to see their own sculpture being cast and coloured to their own personal taste, from bronze-brown to green, or even pink! Virtually limitless colour options are possible due to the skilful application of patinas attained using various chemicals.
All variants will show off to beautiful effect the texture of the metal with its myriad of tooling marks, but the unique patination will ensure a totally individual look and "character" to each sculpture.
TMB’s Flying Scotsman is sculpted to show her at speed, this feeling of motion beautifully and skilfully suggested by the inclusion of blur in the wheels and a forward lean to the piece. The impression of motion is also significantly enhanced by the beautifully sculpted steam billowing from the chimney. This is a totally separate removable casting available in two options - bronze with white patination or solid sterling silver.
The 24’’ long, 11’’ high sculpture weighs 30kg and depicts Flying Scotsman in her early circa 1930 specification with single chimney and right hand drive. The attention to detail is extraordinary, enhanced by the removable cab roof to reveal the wealth of instrumentation within, as well as the driver and shovel wielding fireman. -- www.nrm.org.uk
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