The Angle Ring Company brings engineering to public art in Birmingham Light Festival installation

Commissioned by Taylex Group and designed by creative agency Rough Diamond, the bold, abstract sculpture takes the form of a glowing lightbulb, a symbol of Birmingham’s enduring spirit of innovation. The piece celebrates the city’s historic role in manufacturing, design, and creativity, and invites future generations to imagine their own ideas coming to life.

The project was part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with support from Legal & General, Jewellery Quarter BID, and Colmore BID.

FROM VISION TO STRUCTURE

For Angle Ring, the project was an opportunity to blend creativity with precision engineering. While modest in scale, the technical challenges were anything but simple.

“One of the most complex parts of the sculpture was the Edison screw thread at the base,” explained Paul Middleton, Business Development Manager at The Angle Ring Company.

“Rather than a consistent shape, it required a dynamically changing pitch, a controlled inconsistency. We drew on years of experience in helical bending, typically used in staircases and heat exchangers, and applied it in a totally new way. This project truly showcased the craftsmanship of our team.”

Through close collaboration with the designers, Angle Ring supported the concept’s realisation using extensive CAD modelling and bespoke bending techniques. The result is a piece that reflects not only creative imagination but the exacting skills of British manufacturing.

A LASTING CONTRIBUTION TO BIRMINGHAM’S LANDSCAPE

Now installed at Newhall Square, the sculpture becomes a permanent part of the city’s cultural scene, encouraging locals and visitors alike to connect with Birmingham’s innovative spirit.

“This project is a perfect example of what happens when art and engineering come together,” said Daniel Barnshaw, Managing Director of The Angle Ring Company.

“We’re incredibly proud that our work is now a permanent feature in a public space, inspiring people and showing that manufacturing still plays a vital role in shaping creative ideas.”

CELEBRATING ENGINEERING IN ART

As part of the Birmingham Light Festival, the ‘Ideas Happen Here’ installation stands as a testament to Birmingham’s industrial heritage and future potential. It reflects how collaboration between art and engineering can leave a lasting impact on public spaces, and how companies like Angle Ring are leading the way in this space.

For more information about Angle Ring and their work, visit anglering.co.uk

Project Partners

• Client: Taylex Group

• Fabrication: Code 14 Ltd

• Commissioning Body: Colmore BID

• Location: Newhall Square, Birmingham

• Technical Design Support: RAWLS

• Creative Agency: Rough Diamond