Nelson laser firm creates 12ft sculpture for Chelsea Flower Show

Due to be unveiled on May 24 at the annual RHS Chelsea Flower show, the team at Nelson-based Fitzpatricks UK designed and created the sculpture for the RAF Benevolent Fund garden.

The impressive sculpture will be the main feature of the garden, and will showcase a young pilot looking up at the sky, shielding his eyes from the sun as he sees how the air battle fairs above him.

Holding a mug of tea, the figure will display incredible details including every crease and fold of the clothing and equipment worn.

Planning for the sculpture began two years ago, on the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, when British forces successfully defended the country's airspace from repeated attacks by Hitler's Luftwaffe.

Mark Fitzpatrick, chief executive of the firm, said: “It’s been a long process, from discussing ideas with [garden designer] John back in May 2020, to finally building the sculpture.

"It feels amazing to be involved in such a significant project – the garden has such a powerful story and we’re proud that we’re able to help tell it.”

The sculpture is constructed from 223 individual layers of marine grade stainless steel and weighs over three tonnes.

John Everiss, garden designer for the RAF Benevolent Fund Garden, said: “The model of the sculpture is my son, George, who is a similar age to the Battle of Britain pilots.

"Working with Fitzpatricks UK and seeing the sculpture really come to life is incredible – I can’t wait for its unveiling during Chelsea Flower Show.”

Following the Chelsea Flower Show, the garden will be rebuilt at Biggin Hill, south-east London – one of Britain’s oldest and most important aerodromes during the Battle of Britain.

For more information about the garden or how the Fund supports the RAF Family, visit rafbf.org/chelsea.