Anopol, the Birmingham based metal finishing specialist, played a key role in bringing a spectacular Lady Godiva statue to life in the run up to the Olympics.
The extravagant Imagineer Productions’ Godiva Awakes event took place on July 28th 2012 at Coventry’s University Square and made its mark in history with a vibrant buzz kicking off the Olympic celebrations in class. The electro-polishing specialist is proudly one of the very few Birmingham-based firms involved. It voluntarily created Godiva’s majestic book and coat stand, as she awoke for the first time in 1000 years to thousands of spectators.
Anopol’s creative involvement has put itself on the manufacturing map for showcasing its skill and creativity. The once in a lifetime Godiva Awakes project is a piece of public art which has never been seen before, celebrating the Midland’s rich, thriving craftsmanship.
Chairman of Anopol, John Swain said: “Our company does not usually fabricate anything from stainless steel. We are polishers to the trade, so producing the book stand in the form of a humming bird was a real challenge to our engineers and the men in the workshop. We are proud to have been involved in such an occasion and want to strive in our expertise alongside our passionate workforce.”
The hummingbird bookstand finished fabrication was mounted on a 4m x 2m plastic base with wheels for mobility. The coat stand was also mounted on a mobile plastic base, but somewhat smaller at 3m x 2m. Her elaborately engineered features gave the 20ft Godiva statue a splendid finishing touch during the colourful celebrations, giving the legendary lady a prestigious life-like depiction. Anopol’s sheer first-class talent shone through on the day when Lady Godiva was unveiled, creating an astonishing reaction from the crowd.
The statue’s unique journey, from 30th July until 5th August, will see 100 cyclists power Godiva from Coventry to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympics Games. Godiva, the global symbol of justice, will also deliver a Book of Intent to London which encapsulates equality, fairness and social justice, the values capturing the Olympic spirit.
As well as showcasing the grand statue in all of her splendour, Lady Godiva’s face was kept a secret to add a twist of mystery to the launch. She was unveiled to the public during the colourful carnival celebratory launch, to an audience and performers of dancers, actors, aerialists, musicians, pyrotechnicians and carnivalists, who were left in awe.
Anopol has over 40 years experience and proudly claim to be the market leader in chemical and electrochemical processing of stainless steel and other metals, for a wide spectrum of industrial, decorative and functional applications.