A unique ‘steampunk’ penguin sculpture, sponsored by Yamazaki Mazak, is part of the Great Waddle of Worcester supporting the Wild in Art event to raise funds for St Richard’s Hospice. Named Dr Waddlecog this creation by Lincolnshire-based artist Kevin Baumber is one of 40 penguin artworks displayed throughout Worcester from 22nd July to 15th September.
As one of Worcester’s biggest employers, Yamazaki Mazak regularly supports both charity and the Wild in Art initiative through additional fundraising activities such as raffles and internal events. Mazak identified Dr Waddlecog as the perfect sculpture to sponsor thanks not only to its eye-catching exterior, but also the level of advanced engineering expertise required for its design and fabrication.
The company is renowned as one of the world leaders in the design and manufacture of CNC machine tools and laser processing machines – exactly the technologies that Kevin turned to when creating Dr Waddlecog.
Kevin is no stranger to animal sculpture, having garnered a prestigious reputation for his ‘welderbeasts’ – large-scale pieces of art manufactured out of sheet metal which he cuts and welds to form his creations. Leveraging CNC and laser technologies, Kevin’s artistic process involves precision cutting and shaping of metal, which seamlessly aligns with Mazak’s manufacturing capabilities. His work to date includes bulls, horses and dogs, however the Great Waddle of Worcester is Kevin’s first foray into flightless birds.
“I’ve always been a big fan of steampunk and thought it would make a really interesting theme for a penguin sculpture,” said Kevin. “The helmet and jetpack were very much influenced by the film The Rocketeer. However, I’ve added lots of little nods to the steampunk culture. At first glance, the feet look like they are scaled but when you look closely, you can see it’s actually a series of small cogs.”
He said: “It was quite a complex process. I initially created a smaller, 3D-printed model to ensure the finished piece would be safe for public installation. Then, I used a small CNC machine to manufacture key components for the design out of foam, before coating with fibreglass and finishing them with an air brush.
“I worked with a local laser cutting company to cut some of the larger cogs and used a small desktop laser machine to cut the rest out of plywood myself. While the technology I used isn’t in the same league as a typical Mazak machine, it was nice to see some synergy between the techniques I deployed and those that Mazak manufactures.”
Dr Waddlecog can be found at the Crowngate entrance to the High Street in Worcester city centre. The penguin holds a hidden surprise that remains concealed until nightfall. As darkness descends, a flickering energy emerges from within, revealing its mysterious allure.
Kevin concluded: “I really wanted to create a sense of energy with Dr Waddlecog. When it’s dark, it’s almost as if his chest starts to sparkle and fizz. It was certainly one of the most complicated elements, however it’s one that I am very proud of.”
Richard Smith, European Group Managing Director at Yamazaki Mazak, added: “Mazak has long championed the Wild in Art initiative given its wonderful support of St Richard’s Hospice. Kevin’s design immediately caught our eye and we were delighted to be able to secure the sponsorship. The Wild in Art initiative not only brings art to the local community but also raises significant funds for vital hospice care. We are proud to be part of such a meaningful project that aligns with our values and commitment to community support.”
For more information on the event, visit https://waddleofworcester.co.uk.
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