Local company behind hugely popular mechanical star of 2022 Games
''Raging Bull'' the major attraction in Birmingham Centre, images courtesy Artem Ltd
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Without a shadow of a doubt it's been a huge and highly popular feature of the 2022 Commonwealth Games and it's been one of Ealing's best kept secrets.
Perivale-based company, Artem Limited were commissioned to produce the massive 10 metre high armoured bull which was a major part of the opening ceremony, directed by Peaky Blinders creator, Steven Knight.
During the ceremony, the huge bull controlled by puppeteers, emitted smoke and tears of blood.
The bull was then moved to Centenary Square in the town centre and has since been visited by tens of thousands of people. It's popularity soon became evident and calls followed for it to stay in the city.
Opening ceremony spectacle image courtesy Artem ltd
Hannah Joshua, the technician who sat within the sculpture to operate the computer controlling the legs, said,"The response has absolutely blown us away."It is the biggest compliment we could get seeing how much everyone has fallen in love with him.''
Ian Ward, the leader of Birmingham city council, said: “We consider this one of the top attractions in the city, and seeing residents and visitors enjoying the bull being in the city this week has been brilliant and enhances the need to keep the bull for longer.”
The Bull at development stage in Perivale image courtesy Artem Ltd
Artem, the Ealing based special effects firm was founded in 1988 by three former BBC employees, Mike Kelt, Simon Taylor and Stan Mitchell. In 2007 Artem opened a Scottish branch based in Glasgow. The firm specialise in many important elements used in film, theatre and live events including animation, animatronics and puppets, props, mechanical rigs, prosthetics and pyrotechnics.
It took five months to construct the bull - nicknamed ''Raging' with a team of around 60 people working on the piece.
During the early stages, the work took place indoors in the company's workshops in Segro Park, Horsenden Lane South, but as soon as the main torso was mounted on the telehandler (the black machine that drives him) technicians had to work on the bull outside.
Due to the secrecy of the project a huge shed made from shipping containers was erected in the firm's car park and and a canopy to ensure the magnificent Bull wasn't ''outed'' before the Games.
Mike Kelt, Artem’s CEO, said: ''‘We have been blown away by the reaction to the Bull – it is truly humbling. I’m so proud that the hard work of our very talented team is being recognised like this.''
Annemarie Flanagan
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August 8, 2022
