Case Study:
'ICON'
A Tribute to Aviation Excellence

Polishing Precision for an Iconic Sculpture

At High Grade Metal Polishers, we take pride in working on projects that celebrate engineering, innovation, and craftsmanship. One such project, ICON, was a unique commission that transformed a piece of aviation history into a striking sculpture. Our expertise in metal finishing was called upon to perfect the final details of this extraordinary work.

Now standing as a testament to the supersonic legacy of Concorde, ICON is a sculptural tribute to one of the most celebrated aircraft in history.

The Commission: Honouring Supersonic Innovation

A private client commissioned Sebastian Conran Associates, a renowned design consultancy, to create a sculpture incorporating the original nose assembly from the sixth Concorde airframe. This specific nose cone had been used as a fatigue test specimen at the Royal Aircraft Establishment, Farnborough, making it a true piece of aviation heritage.

The design of ICON was inspired by the sonic waves generated by Concorde as it travelled at Mach II, surfing the Earth’s atmosphere at over twice the speed of sound. The final sculpture is a seven-metre-long metalwork masterpiece, blending engineering excellence with aesthetic beauty.

Fabrication & Engineering

The sculpture was fabricated using a Weldox steel skeleton, providing structural integrity, and was skinned with three tonnes of polished stainless steel to achieve a sleek, reflective surface. The design also incorporates a unique rotational mechanism, allowing the sculpture to pivot on its centre of gravity and be displayed pointing in any desired direction—symbolising the dynamic nature of flight.

Our role at High Grade Metal Polishers was to apply a flawless mirror-polished finish to the stand that supports the Concorde nose cone, ensuring it met the highest standards of precision and aesthetics.

Our Process: Achieving the Perfect Finish

• Mirror Finishing the Stand – Using our specialist hand-polishing techniques, we applied a superior mirror finish to the stand, ensuring a seamless, high-shine surface that complements the sleek stainless steel of the sculpture.
• Contrasting Textures – To enhance the visual impact, the underside of the stand was given a sandblasted finish, providing a striking contrast between the two textures. This careful combination of reflective and matte surfaces adds depth and sophistication to the piece.

The result? A stunningly polished support structure that not only enhances the sculpture’s aesthetic appeal but also ensures it remains a timeless tribute to supersonic engineering.

Final Installation

Standing at over seven metres in length, ICON now serves as a remarkable fusion of aviation history, engineering, and design. The flawless finish on the stand ensures that the sculpture maintains its elegance and presence, while the polished surfaces reflect both light and movement, reinforcing the concept of speed and aerodynamics.

For High Grade Metal Polishers, this project demonstrates our ability to work on high-profile, bespoke commissions, where attention to detail, precision, and craftsmanship are essential to delivering a world-class finish. You can see more of our work here.

Looking for Expert Metal Polishing for Your Next Project?

From sculptural installations to precision-engineered components, we specialise in high-end metal finishing that brings projects to life. Whether working on historic restorations, large-scale artworks, or bespoke design pieces, we ensure that every surface is polished to perfection.