The Requirements
The system required the ability to be raised and lowered for cleaning and for the interchangeable elements of the artwork display to be updated whenever required.
The artwork contained certain elements which were permanent, but also had areas that the school arts department could alter and use as a showcase of the pupil's work. To facilitate this we needed to design the system with a safe and controlled method of lowering and raising.
The Solution
Manchester City Council commissioned Chrysalis Arts, an artist-led public art company, to provide the piece of unique, and distinct artwork for the foyer of Saint Paul's Catholic High School in Wythenshawe that could showcase both the heritage of the school and the achievements of it's pupils.
The artwork was produced using equipment from the schools old gymnasium and classroom’s that was rescued during the new building's construction, so the piece has sentimental value and quite a unique history, linking it to the old school before its redevelopment.
Employed by Balfour Beatty we provided a winch,rigging and suspension structure that would enable the artwork to be hung safely and have the ability to be raised/lowered for cleaning or alteration by the school.
The system we provided uses manual winches that are mounted at a low level and supplied in a locked enclosures, with a series of pulleys, ropes and rigging to connect to an aluminium framework that has been designed to have members suitable for the suspension of the artwork piece, which was 600kg in self weight.
The artwork contained certain elements which were permanent, but also had areas that the schools art department could alter and use as a showcase of the pupil’s work, so the need to raise and lower the piece in a safe and controlled manner was required, especially given that the artwork is displayed within the school's foyer, hanging above the new reception area.
Project Photo's
Hoist UK
"We were pleased to have the opportunity to work with Balfour Beatty on this project. We used our knowledge and experience of banner and display lifting systems to provide a robust, safe and suitable lifting solution for the 600kg artwork that provided the access required for maintenance and display changes/updates. As always, we pride ourselves on offering technically correct solutions that are fit for purpose and this project was no exception."