ABSTRACT
The growth in use of aluminium doors and windows has naturally led to a demand for matching hardware for items such as handles, bolts, stays and letter flaps. Modern welding methods, coupled with the availability of adhesive bonding have widened the designer’s scope, enabling large, intricate objects to be easily constructed. Aluminium sculptures are highly suited for both interior and exterior applications. Ecclesiastical uses have been very popular, with interesting and imaginative applications to be seen in a number of cathedrals. Both anodized and lacquered finishes are used to enhance appearance. Lacquered finishes are less permanent than anodized ones and are more susceptible to wear and abrasion. One of the world’s sculptural landmarks – Gilbert’s ‘Eros’ statue in Piccadilly Circus, London – is a tribute to the use of aluminium. Cast in 1893 it was one of the very first uses of what was then a very new material.
