Case Study:
'Absence Echoed'
A Tribute to Innovation and Sustainability

Bringing David Rickard’s Vision to Life

At High Grade Metal Polishers, we take pride in working with artists to help bring their creative visions to reality. One of our recent projects, Absence Echoed, saw us collaborate with internationally renowned artist David Rickard, applying our expertise in metal polishing to an artwork that speaks to both sustainability and innovation.

The piece now stands in the Sir Michael Uren Hub, White City Campus – a tribute to the pioneering work of the building’s benefactor, Sir Michael Uren OBE.

The Artist: David Rickard

David Rickard is a conceptual artist whose practice explores themes of materiality, physical space, and environmental concerns. Originally from New Zealand and now based in London, Rickard’s work frequently challenges perceptions of mass, balance, and absence. His installations and sculptural works often engage with architectural spaces and scientific processes, prompting the viewer to reflect on the hidden forces shaping our environment.

His works have been exhibited internationally, from the UK to Europe and beyond, appearing in museums, galleries, and public spaces. His interest in sustainability and material transformation made him an ideal choice for this commission.

The Commission: Honouring Sir Michael Uren’s Legacy

The Absence Echoed installation was commissioned by Imperial College London, aiming to create a piece that reflects Sir Michael Uren’s groundbreaking contributions to low-carbon cement production. Sir Michael, a former Imperial College alumnus and philanthropist, developed an innovative cement alternative using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS). This method significantly reduces carbon emissions by up to 90%, a major advancement in sustainable construction.

To honour this legacy, Rickard designed a sculpture that interacts with both light and space, embodying the concept of CO₂ reduction while seamlessly integrating with the architectural elements of the Sir Michael Uren Hub.

Fabrication & Finishing

Benson Sedgwick Engineering was tasked with fabricating the artwork. The piece features an internal stainless-steel frame, which was carefully cladded and welded using 5mm 316 stainless steel to form two striking plinths.

At High Grade Metal Polishers, we were brought in to complete the finishing process—our role was to ensure that the plinths achieved a flawless, high-end look that enhanced the sculpture’s reflective quality.

Our Process:

• Seamless Finish: We meticulously removed all welds, ensuring that the structure appeared seamless, giving the impression of a single, continuous form.
• Mirror Polishing: Using our specialist hand-polishing techniques, we applied a superior mirror finish, allowing the sculpture to interact with its surroundings through reflection and light.

The result? A strikingly polished, seamless stainless-steel structure that not only honours the architectural precision of the Sir Michael Uren Hub but also amplifies the conceptual depth of the artwork.

Final Installation

Absence Echoed now stands as a testament to sustainability, scientific progress, and the power of art to communicate complex ideas. The highly polished surfaces reflect both the space and the viewer, inviting contemplation on material transformation and environmental responsibility—a fitting tribute to Sir Michael Uren’s legacy.

For us at High Grade Metal Polishers, this project exemplifies why attention to detail, craftsmanship, and collaboration are so important in working with artists. By refining and perfecting the final finish, we help to ensure that an artist’s vision is realised in the most striking and impactful way possible.

Looking for Expert Metal Polishing for Your Art Project?

We specialise in working with artists, sculptors, and designers, helping to bring their creative ideas to life with world-class metal finishing. Whether it’s a large-scale public installation or a bespoke sculptural piece, we can provide the expertise needed to ensure your work stands out. You can see more of our work here.