A NEW artistic landmark is set to pop up in Cradley Heath, designed by Halesowen College student Florence Thompson.

A Perry & Co (Hinges) Ltd, a manufacturer and supplier of hinges, hardware, ironmongery, chain and threaded bar, asked the college's art and design students to design a sculpture to sit outside their new premises.

The students visited the firm's Doulton Road base and received a design brief, which included conveying the history of the 93-year-old family-run business.

Students presented their ideas and received feedback from managing director, Guy Perry, and his son Steven, before generating small scale models.

After reviewing the submissions, bosses chose 18-year-old Florence's design, which incorporates two hands made from metal products - one higher than the other and linked by threaded bar and chain.

The sculpture will be brought to life by local artist Phil Baylis over the next few months, using the firm’s products, including threaded bar, chain and various types of hinges.

One hand will be treated to remain shiny and new while the other is treated to rust quickly, conveying the passage of time and the old passing to the new.

John Murray, director of organisational development at Halesowen College, said: “The assignment was an ideal opportunity for students to work on a commercially relevant ‘live brief’.

"It provided students with a structured set of customer requirements to work to and it involved them presenting their initial sketches and models to the customer, explaining their concepts and thought processes.

"Going forward, the relationship between Halesowen College and A Perry & Co is developing well and we are identifying future projects that we can get involved with.

"We are grateful for the partnership and hope an increasing number of students will be able to benefit from these exciting opportunities.”

Guy Perry, the firm's managing director, added: “A Perry takes its commitment to nurture and develop local talent very seriously.

"The process has been very exciting so far and now everyone’s on tenterhooks waiting for Florence’s project to be turned into reality.”