press release
8-aug-2008

FROM WATERBEACH TO A SANDY BEACH

Waterbeach based sculptor Julian Askham’s latest project will shortly be seeing a whole new type of beach, in Dubai!

The 10 foot tall medicine bottle shaped sculpture will feature within a feature spiral staircase at luxurious Le Meridien Hotel in Dubai.

Julian secured this substantial commission in June, and is set to complete in the first week of September when it will be shipped in a vast container to this popular destination where up to 1,000 exotic holiday makers will be enjoying it’s presence every day. It’s surprisingly easy to imagine a sculpture like this sitting on it’s elaborate marble base in the lobby of such a decadent Arabian hotel.

Made of over 30 steel bars, this really is a colossal undertaking of a commission. The bars, shaped over wood are welded and riveted around large steel rings. With each bar taking over 10 minutes to form Julian certainly has his work cut out for him. The final piece is treated with bluing agents to give it a rustic, wrought iron feel.

When asked about his progress so far, Julian replied, “It’s hard work, but incredibly rewarding. It’s going to be a great moment when I get to the point of finally putting the components together. Right now I’ve got 25 strips and 5 rings and the true test will be to see if it assembles as planned…”

Whilst Julian is getting close to completion on this piece, the commissions are coming in. When asked “So, what next?” Julian described his newest project to be a 5-foot tall stainless steel commemorative sculpture featuring five concentric rings and emotive engravings. He’s also developing a range of small sculptures designed as a more accessible range as they can feature indoor or out, even on a tabletop. This is an interesting move from his portfolio of large-scale outdoor pieces.