Intertek performs weld inspection for world-famous sculptor
04/08/2015
Intertek, a leading provider of quality solutions worldwide, has been providing welding expertise to the studio of the world-famous sculptor Antony Gormley.
During the past four years, welding engineer Mick Hurt has been training Gormley’s staff in welding techniques and inspecting welds on his sculptures.
The acclaimed sculptor is famed for his Angel of the North figure in Gateshead and works with a team of assistants who help him with his creations. As many of Gormley’s sculptures require welding, Mick helped to train three studio assistants in welding techniques at the sculptor’s Vale Royal Studio in London in 2011.
Antony Gormley’s assistants then applied their welding training in the construction of Gormley’s Cloud Chain structure. In 2012, Mick travelled to the National Archives of France at Saint-Denis, Paris, where the Cloud Chain structure was exhibited and remains, to inspect and certify the welds on the sculpture.
More recently, Mick has returned to Gormley’s studio in London to assist further with their welder requirements and testing.
Mick Hurt said: “It is not often my welding expertise and training is called upon by the studio of one of the world’s most famous sculptors and it is certainly different from the projects I am usually working on, but it was a real pleasure to meet Antony and train his talented team in welding. I am delighted to have played a small part in the creation of one of his magnificent sculptures.”
Rob van Dorp, Chief Executive at Intertek UK & Eire, said: “It is exciting for our Intertek experts, who normally provide welding and testing services to oil refineries, power stations and the construction industry, to transfer their specialist skills to the British art scene and to be part of creating these iconic sculptures, such as Cloud Chain.
Intertek supports a wide range of industries with its diverse range of welding services and non-destructive testing techniques, including aerospace, rail, general engineering, power generation, construction, petrochemical and oil & gas. From auditing and inspection to testing, training, advisory, quality assurance and certification, Intertek adds value for its customers by helping improve the quality and safety of their products, assets and processes.
With a network of more than 1000 laboratories and offices and over 38,000 people in more than 100 countries, Intertek supports companies’ success in the global marketplace by helping customers to meet end users’ expectations for safety, sustainability, performance, integrity and desirability in virtually any market worldwide.
www.intertek.com
