Burning Waste Man, London – Projects

Elliott Wood was appointed by arts facilitator Artangel to provide engineering back-up to Antony Gormley’s studio for the design of a 25m sacrificial sculpture to be burnt as part of live event “The Margate Exodus”.

Constructed entirely of waste materials, including planks of wood, tables, chairs, keyboards, paintings, dartboards, doors and toilet seats, this sculpture took over four weeks to construct. All materials had to be certified as environmentally suitable to be burnt, as such all paints and coatings had to be removed prior to construction.

The primary structure consisted of two large steel I sections, extending 14m above ground and 10m into the ground. A timber frame was constructed around the steelwork and platforms created at regular centres to define the shape of the body at each level. Waste matter was then loaded onto the platforms to create the body shape. The arms and head of the sculpture were articulated to provide a dramatic sequence of collapse during burning.