Major Artworks Project Completed 25/06/2013

Right in time for his band’s headline show at UK’s legendary Glastonbury festival, Rolling Stone Mick Jagger has been honoured by his hometown of Dartford where a steel sculpture of the singer has been revealed. (Photo by Stephen Oliver - (http://www.stephen-oliver.co.uk /blog/a-rolling-stone-in-the-park/ Part of one of the biggest ever public arts projects in the UK, the statue was manufactured by Midlands based laser-cutting specialists Laser Process Ltd. The company produced over 250 life size steel statues of local celebrities and symbols for the project which was brought to life by sustainable transport charity Sustrans in order to decorate its latest cycle ways and pathways throughout the UK and Ireland. Made from weathered steel, Laser Process Ltd was originally given the order for 3 sculptures. However, upon their completion in 2010, the Cannock firm was awarded the contract for the whole project, encompassing a total of 256 statues across 85 sites in the UK and Ireland. Labelled “The Portrait Bench”, the art collection is part of Sustrans’ Connect2 project to encourage more people to get about on foot and bike for everyday journeys. One bench on each route is now featuring three local heroes who have been chosen by the communities themselves, among them actors Richard Burton and Michael Caine, comedians Eric Morecombe and Rob Brydon, musicians Mick Jagger, Tom Jones and Gary Barlow, Olympian Paula Radcliffe as well as historical and political figures such as Henry VIII and local heroes and symbols. According to David Lindsey, Director at Laser Process Ltd, “This contract has been an interesting departure for the company as our products are usually industry based, consisting of engineering components for a wide variety of customers. However, this project has given us the chance to show that engineering has got a creative side to it and can result in quirky and fun output.” The company which is one of the UK’s largest subcontractors for laser cutting has grown a reputation for its precise work, quality and customer service. With a strong commitment to continual investment in latest technology, environmental standards and quality control, Laser Process Ltd has also won the regional Made in the Midlands Award for engineering excellence three years in a row since 2010.