The Welsh Dragon an instantly recognizable, phenomenal symbol of Wales. Simply, an iconic design. It was hand-carved and created from two ice blocks (each block measuring 1m x 1/2m x 1/4m).
Two ice blocks is the very minimum to be able to create this design. Ideally, three ice blocks should be used. The third ice block would be for a base or ice plinth for the Welsh Dragon to sit proudly on.
Welsh Dragon Carving
Once we had created the actual ice blocks (taking approximately 5-6 days alone to make) instead of carving the blocks in a landscape (horizontal) format and placing one on top of the other to carve, they were each carved in a Portrait format.
The total height once carved was 1m tall. When the two ice blocks were placed together, they measured 1m wide. This is a BIG sculpture - and very heavy. The combined weight when completed, was around 24 stone. With three ice blocks the total weight would be around the 30-stone mark.
The client (26th Regiment The Royal Artillery, Lark Hill, Wiltshire) wished the Welsh Dragon to be not only an ice sculpture but also a Vodka Luge. We drilled a channel through the ice to turn it into a Vodka Luge. This was made at the top front section of the Welsh Dragon's head. We inserted a plastic tubing into the drilled channel - and a funnel at the entrance way allowing for easy pouring and no spillage or wastage.
Although carved in the workshop, the Welsh Dragon was assembled in site. Brought in on hydraulic trolleys, they we lifted up and placed in the large drain tray. Married together they looked superb and stunning. Once set-up, we placed ice cubes around the base of the sculpture in the drain tray.
The final thing to do was to light the sculpture. As a boy, I was always told electricity and water do not mix. I have never questioned that. As a result, we use high-powered, bright white LED battery operated lighting. It is safer, easy to switch on and off and less fuss. LED lights are so light and high-powered these days, we still wonder why some Ice Carving companies use 'standard angle poise lamps' and electricity. Rest assured to stop electrocution and those sorts of problems, we use LED lights. We are a tad theatrical and find lighting the sculpure very important to make it shimmer, shine and look simply stunning. Lighting sets the tone and creates the atmosphere. We want peoples' jaws when they walk-in and see the sculpture for the first time to drop and for them say, "Wow, that is amazing!"
Using the technique of refraction, we spend time in getting the lighting just right - though I must admit, having used this technique for around 20 years now, it is second nature to us to light it in this way. The light beam enters the ice sculpture and through the medium of the dense ice, the light is refracted and literally bounces up the inside of the 1m tall ice. Done right, it can look outstanding and makes the whole sculpure 'come alive'. Is there any other way...?
This sculpture is simply a 'stunner'. The photographs do not do it justice.
Read more about The Dragon of Wales and its history.
SPECIFICATION -
No. of Ice Blocks - TWO (three preferable - to get the full visual impact)
Item - Ice Sculpture or Vodka Luge
Format - Portrait
Height - 1m x 1m wide
Weight around 24-stone
Text - No (possible with an extra 1/2 ice block)
INCLUDED -
Delivery to venue - Yes
Complete set-up of sculpture at venue - Yes
Lighting included - Yes
Lighting set-up created for you at venue - Yes
Drain Tray - Yes
Thick-bore Tubing - Yes
12-point Check Assessment - Yes