Premier Technical Services Group Ltd (PTSG) has completed a project to decommission The Frankenstein Project on Blackpool’s Promenade.
“The Frankenstein Project” was created by Tony Stallard in 2001. Inspired by Blackpool’s Victorian freak shows, Stallard decided to create a giant sea creature. This piece warns of the bad things that can happen when interfering with nature. It is a diver’s decompression chamber inside of which is a blue neon light that illuminates the skeleton and skull of a killer whale.
Implementation of the piece took six years in total and was Stallard’s biggest project to date. Weighing seven tonnes, the piece consists of twenty-four foot long gas tank, donated by British Gas, with a replica killer whale inside. Portholes on the side of the tank allow visitors to peer inside the illuminated tank.
Stallard acknowledged that the piece would invite debate and the piece did indeed draw the most varied critical response. Despite being one of four new features on the promenade, The Frankenstein Project received most reaction.
In addition, the sculpture was the victim of persistent vandal attacks which required significant repairs and eventually caused the site of the artwork to be redeveloped and moved back to its location.
The structure has been on display for the public to enjoy for over 15 years and was deemed unsightly due to corrosion, which is why the decision was taken to remove it. PTSG Building Access Specialists Ltd planned the decommissioning and contract crane lift from start to completion.
