Replica candlesticks for Matthew Boulton exhibition

Client:

Birmingham Museum and Art Galleries

The Jewellery Industry Innovation Centre (JIIC) was asked to make a set of replica candlesticks based on an original design by Matthew Boulton (1728–1809) as part of the major exhibition 'Matthew Boulton – Selling what the World Desires'.

The JIIC was given access to one of the museum’s Boulton candlesticks, however, a stipulation of this access was that no one was allowed to physically touch it. Digital scanning was not an option as the piece was too highly polished for the scanner to work and spraying it with a matt coating was obviously out of the question.

The JIIC team member on this project found the solution by taking a number of digital photographs from every conceivable angle including front, side and top elevations which were then later imported into the CAD software and used as a template to trace over digitally.

There is little doubt that an innovative manufacturer like Boulton, were he manufacturing products today, would be embracing all of the new technology tools that are available for design and manufacture. The JIIC responded perfectly to our brief, and this has enabled visitors to the exhibition to examine closely the intricacies of this candlestick design.

Andy Horn, Exhibitions Manager, “Matthew Boulton – Selling what the World Desires”

Results

Working over the pictures, the candlestick was modelled using a combination of different 3D software. The model was then built in sections using numerous rapid prototyping systems available at the JIIC.

These prototypes were then passed to a West Midlands manufacturer who used them to produce moulds for casting in order to supply four silver plated white metal candlesticks for the exhibition and an order to the Museum shop. These reproductions were then exhibited in such a way that members of the public were able to physically touch and handle them, something not normally possible in an exhibition of this type.

Benefits

• Awareness of the Museum was increased due to the resultant publicity, and visitor numbers to the Museum were increased.
• Visitors to the exhibition were able to examine closely the intricacies of the design of the candlestick.
• Replica candlesticks were also produced for the Museum shop and form part of the Matthew Boulton Range of gifts exclusive to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, increasing future sales.
• Additional business generated for the region’s manufacturing industry, with more opportunities expected in the future.
• Showcase to reflect the range and quality of skills and use of innovative equipment available at the JIIC.