Sculpture and the environment

©2019 Barry Smith - Restored five post sculpture

I completed the installation of a five post sculpture in a private yard a couple of years ago. The etched aluminium plates were attached to the hardwood posts with galvanised plated screws.

I had arranged with the client to install a nameplates for the piece she had requested.

©2019 Barry Smith  - Etched aluminium nameplate - F's calligraphy

But I was really disappointed to learn from the owner that most of the screws had rusted. Either poor quality galvanising or a reaction between the zinc coating and the aluminium. So I committed to replacing all the screws with stainless steel screws. Five hours of work and the job was done. Good outcome - we will see how these fare.

©2019 Barry Smith  - Rusted screw

©2019 Barry Smith  - New stainless steel screws

©2019 Barry Smith  - New stainless steel screws - opportunity to clean and refresh the work

We seem to do things in quite big numbers. We have been planting miniature agapanthus plants on all the banks adjacent to the new sculpture terraces. I calculate we have planted about 350-400 at this stage.

©2019 Barry Smith  - Many agapanthus plants - rusted Corten steel edge  on the  steps

The agapanthus plants  will be gorgeous when established and in bloom - the terraces will be a bit of landscape art really.