Salamanders

Brief/Challenges

The museum proposed the creation of a temporary low relief installation on the external face of the rotunda to act as a beacon to the museum, and the wider cultural quarter, as well as enriching the public realm. Inspiration for the first installation was a jewel from the Museum’s Cheapside Hoard. A hat ornament in the form of a salamander, comprising of emeralds and diamonds set into gold. 

Commission

Paragon Creative design developed three giant 10 metre long versions of the brooch and worked with the Museum to ensure safe and effective (as well as dramatic!) positioning on the exterior of the rotunda. The salamanders are constructed predominately from GRP with painted acrylic to produce the emerald effect for the centre pieces. To meet the briefs aesthetic and durability requirements we produced the salamanders in GRP and acrylic undertaking many tests and prototypes to achieve the correct final appearance.

Our Client: Museum of London

Designed by: Museum of London