We were approached the Sheffield Children’s Hospital Charity (TCHC) about helping them with a project they were in the early discussions of planning. The project was to create a character trail, with 140 bears being produced.
The bear itself is a real steel monument, fitted into a grade II listed bear pit that was built in the botanical gardens in Sheffield in 1836. To get a digital file of this bear, we visited the sight and used our 3D scanning arm and reverse engineering software to create the digital file that we would base the design for the nature trail character on.
There were 60 large bears, which would be painted by local artists in a theme of their choice and installed in 60 different locations around the city of Sheffield for the public to view at their will. The 80 smaller bears were manufactured and sent out to local schools to be painted by the children. The first bear to be painted was done by Pete McKee, a famous Sheffield artist and patron of TCHC.
We utilised our CAD/CAM team, to design the bear and machine a first off on one of our 5 axis CNC machines. The first off was then flanged and sealed and a series of intricate moulds made. Our skilled team of laminators then produced the bears and finished them to a smooth white, matt finish ready to be delivered into the artists.
After several months of the bears being on display. They were auctioned off to both private individuals and businesses. This raised over a million pounds for the children’s hospital, so all the hard work by TCHC and Simpson Patterns (among others!) was well worth every bit in the long run. It was great to be part of the project, and see, feel, and hear the excitement build around the city as the 2.5-metre-tall bears began to appear everywhere!
Simpson Patterns Ltd, was established over 100 years ago in Sheffield making patterns for the city’s foundries. Since that time the company has evolved significantly and now offers an increased range of services to clients both nationally and internationally using new technologies and modern materials without compromising on the company ethos it was built on. “Our vision is to fully help our clients shape their next solution offering a complete service. From design, modelling, prototype & manufacturing outstanding solutions to specific engineering requirements.”
“We are honoured to have been selected to work with The Children’s Hospital Charity on this project alongside fellow Sheffield artist David Mayne to bring his bear to life.” Said Mark Rixham, MD of Simpson Patterns Ltd. “This project has involved a multitude of our services – including 3D Scanning the bear in the bear pit creating a 3D Model to smooth the bear out then 5 axis machining a MDF pattern and finally creating the moulds for the finished bears.
Working on this project has been a team effort. We are hoping it to be a resounding success for The Children’s Hospital Charity . We’re looking forward to seeing the results of our work and joint collaboration installed around Sheffield decorated by a number of artists.
You can find out more about the Bear Project and how to get involved here.
admin@simpsonltd.co.uk 
0114 272 5561 
