Plinths for Sculpture

 As some of you may know, I’ve made a few plinths for Aukje’s sculptures and over time it’s become apparent that portability is an issue. A full size, solid plinth that can safely hold a sculpture of significant weight quickly become heavy and when 2 or 3 sculptures are to be transported with that many plinths, then car space also becomes a problem. Additionally, these solid, box column plinths quickly become scuffed and require frequent repainting. 

I’ve been asked to see if I can come up with a solution for these problems and the requirements boils down to: 

1. Surface area for sculpture of no less than 400cm x 400cm

2. Height approximately 1m 

3. Stable, wobble free design

4. Can safely carry a weight of 15kg

5. Able to be used outdoors, ie. weatherproof

6. Provision for anchoring to the ground in outdoor setting

7. Provision for adding base weight for outdoor use stability where anchoring is not possible.

8. Plain white, preferably matte, finish

9. Basic plain design so not to distract from the sculpture

10. Light weight, no more than approx 7kg

11. Scratch and scuff resistant

12. Collapsible / disassemble without specific tool requirements

13. If Item#7 cannot be done then a nest-able design is preferred.

14. Low cost

15. Solid quality product that reflects the high value of the sculpture

A preference for a solid square column is at odds with the requirements for low cost, portability/collapsibility and able to hold substantial weight and look well built. There are collapsible plinths available for purchase that are aimed at tradeshows. These are made from lightweight core-flute and although they can berth weight, their light weight makes them susceptible should someone knock one that’s holding a substantial weight on top.

Solid timber plinths made from vinyl skinned timber are also available to purchase but these cost upwards of $350 per plinth and are not designed to be disassembled multiple times or are constructed as a fixed unit.

A simple design that is collapsible and able to bear substantial weight is something like this :

Whereby the X is slid together and the top locks it in place.

This design full-fills most requirements and could be made with an additional ground plate that attaches on and has provisions for ground anchors. Without ground anchors or a ground plate that contains some weight, it still has the inherent instability due to its low weight. Best choice for material would be white PCV sheet material this is used in caravan construction and the like. 

If a basic X design is deemed unattractive then I would have to research the options for a solid box plinth with sizes made such that they can be nested into each other.

part 1

Part 2

Top/base

In order to take any of these design options and considerations further, I’ll need some feedback from the members :

1. What options are non-negotiable? In other words, what design element would be a showstopper?

2. Assuming the design meets all the major criteria, what is maximum allowable price?

3. How many members are interested and in how many plinths ?

Please email me at postvakje@vanvark.com.au or call me on 0466633144 if you’d like anything clarified or just would like to give me your thoughts. 

Cheers,

Arthur