The Channels Mammoth
Art in the community cut by Lasered.
Bringing the Ice Age to Life – The Channels Mammoth Sculpture
In 2024, Lasered Components collaborated with sculptor Michael Condron to create a monumental mammoth sculpture for the Channels development in Chelmsford, Essex. This 4.5-meter-tall, 8-meter-long artwork serves as a striking entrance feature, celebrating the area’s Ice Age heritage.
Michael Condron’s vision was to build a life-size steppe mammoth inspired by fossil evidence found in the Chelmer Valley. But this wouldn’t be just a traditional sculpture. It needed to be:
- Technically accurate, yet artistic.
- Structurally sound for outdoor public display.
- Striking enough to serve as a permanent gateway feature.
Though designed to look skeletal, this mammoth had to stand the test of time—and gravity. It needed to be strong enough to endure weather, but light enough for transport and installation without a crane crew the size of a circus.
Solution: Michael’s ingenious design used internal support ribs that echoed the animal’s anatomy while acting as a structural frame. Our laser-cutting process ensured they aligned precisely during assembly.
The Build: Not Without Its Hiccups
Michael approached us with detailed CAD drawings—each tusk, rib, and vertebra designed with engineering-grade precision. Our role? To transform those drawings into perfectly cut components that would slot together seamlessly, creating the mammoth’s massive but delicate frame.
Our TRUMPF laser machines were the backbone of the operation, handling the complex curves and fine tolerances that a structure of this scale and ambition demanded.
The sculpture was constructed using weathering steel, known for developing a protective rust-like patina over time, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and longevity. Our team ensured each piece was cut with exacting precision, facilitating a seamless assembly process
The Final Result
Now installed on a public green at Channels, the mammoth has become a striking feature of the local landscape. Its rust-red finish glows in the sun and weathers gracefully in the rain. Visitors stop to photograph it, children race around it, and locals now know their estate by its most iconic resident.
Whether you’re creating art, a prototype, or a full-scale feature, Lasered Components is your partner in precision. We support creators, engineers, and makers with fast turnaround times, reliable accuracy, and personal service.
