Chatham Docks operator ArcelorMittal Kent Wire played a key role in the creation of Sir Antony Gormley’s latest exhibition at the Royal Academy that closed on 3rd December 2019 showing yet again how steel can enable great art.

Matrix III', the largest and possibly most impressive work at this fascinating show, is made entirely from QA4S142 reinforcement mesh sheets, usually used to reinforce concrete floor slabs.  These sheets were manufactured by ArcelorMittal Kent Wire, the UK's largest supplier of reinforcement fabric and associated products, based in Chatham Docks in Kent. The business supplies stockists, end users and major infrastructure projects such as the Thames Tideway Super Sewer project.  ArcelorMittal Kent Wire provided Sir Antony’s studio with technical support throughout the creation of this work, including special welding guidance and were delighted to welcomed him to Chatham Docks during the process.  Final installation at the Royal Academy took 16 days, with 2 teams working round the clock shifts.

Commenting Sir Antony said:

“Chatham Docks has been the industrial heart of a community for hundreds of years. The businesses there are the engineers, builders, cement importers, recyclers and logistics providers that all of us in the U.K. rely on.  We should be proud to protect these specialist skills and jobs in Chatham; they may not be as profitable for the developer as ‘residential units’ and retail parks but they are surely more valuable to everyone else.”

Carvil is assisting the business operating at Chatham Docks in fighting Peel Land & Property’s plans to close Chatham Docks and save the 800 jobs currently based there.