Apprentices from MTL Advanced in Rotherham and WEC Engineering Academy in Blackburn have received international recognition after their collaborative horse sculpture, Doublet, was featured in the International Institute of Welding (IIW) publication, Welded Art Photographic Exhibition – Shaping the Future.
The sculpture appears on pages 49, 54 and 55 of the digital exhibition catalogue, which showcases outstanding welded artwork from around the world and celebrates the creativity, innovation and technical excellence of the global welding community.
Doublet was designed and fabricated by apprentices from MTL Advanced and WEC Engineering Academy as a bespoke stainless steel horse sculpture. Inspired by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal’s lifelong association with equestrian sport, the piece reflects her achievements as an accomplished horsewoman, including representing Great Britain at the 1976 Montreal Olympic Games, and her longstanding support for British equestrianism.
Manufactured entirely in-house using advanced cutting, forming and welding techniques, Doublet was originally presented to The Princess Royal during her visit to MTL Advanced, alongside a commemorative plaque marking the occasion.
The IIW publication describes the exhibition as “a tribute to the creativity and craftsmanship of the global welding community” and notes that the collection highlights “the beauty, innovation and technical excellence that define welded art.” Featuring Doublet within this international collection places the apprentices’ work alongside entries from across the world, recognising the quality of both the fabrication and the concept behind the sculpture.
"We were extremely proud to welcome Her Royal Highness to MTL Advanced. Her visit recognised not only the progress we have made as a business, but also the importance of investing in apprenticeships and skills to secure the future of UK manufacturing.”
The inclusion of Doublet in the International Institute of Welding’s Welded Art Photographic Exhibition – Shaping the Future is a recognition of the apprentices’ hard work and demonstrates how engineering skills and creativity produce work that is recognised on an international stage.