Bringing ‘Big Flowers’ to Life: The Technical Artistry behind Martin Basher’s 4 Plinths Project.
How PCS transformed 7-meter steel structures into Wellington’s most vibrant public icons.
- The Challenge: Coating four 7-meter tall sculptures (“Big Flowers”) to withstand Wellington’s high-UV, high-salt waterfront environment while achieving artist Martin Basher’s vision of high-gloss, “day-glow” intensity.
- The Solution: A multi-stage coating process using Dulux Duratec Intensity Colours: Intensity Flame Gloss, Intensity Sunshine Gloss, Intensity Tomcat Gloss, Intensity Reef Gloss.
- The Result: A finish that combines the durability of industrial-grade protection with the aesthetic brilliance of a New York-standard art piece.
- Key Stats: * Scale: 7 Meters (Largest project to date).
- Artist: Martin Basher.
- Commission: 10th Collin Post 4 Plinths Project – Wellington Sculpture Trust
- Location: Te Papa Tongarewa Forecourt.
From Shop Floor to Skyline: The Journey of “Big Flowers for a Wild City”
When Martin Basher’s 7-meter metal frames arrived at our facility, we knew this wasn’t just
another job. This was a contribution to the soul of Wellington.
Phase 1: The Arrival & Prep
The sheer scale was the first hurdle. Moving these “monumental vases” required precision handling before we even touched a spray gun. Every inch of the Zinc Arc sprayed metal construction was applied with the Epoxy Grey Primer to ensure longevity and the adhesion of powder coating perfectly.
Phase 2: The Intensity of Colour
Using the Dulux Duratec Intensity range specifically Intensity Flame Gloss, Intensity Sunshine Gloss, Intensity Tomcat Gloss, and Intensity Reef Gloss our team applied the high-impact finishes. These aren’t just colours; they are “day-glow” pigments engineered to “punch out” against the muted grey hues of the Te Papa architecture. Because these
sculptures sit at the boundary between the city and the sea, they are constantly exposed to Wellington’s legendary elements: high UV, salt spray, and relentless wind.
Hence, the selection of Duratec was a strategic necessity; it provides the high-performance architectural grade protection required to ensure these vibrant icons remain colour-fast and corrosion-resistant for years to come.
Phase 3: The Final Flourish
Seeing the sculptures leave our shop and stand tall at the Wellington Sculpture Trust’s unravelling ceremony was a proud moment for every technician at PCS. We didn’t just coat metal; we helped plant “Big Flowers” in our wild city.
Phase 4: A Landmark Installation
The final test of any project is how it interacts with its environment. Standing on the Te Papa forecourt, the “Big Flowers” have officially transitioned from industrial components to civic icons.
The photos from the site capture exactly what we aimed for: a high-gloss, pearlescent finish that reflects the changing Wellington light while standing defiant against the salt air. Seeing the Intensity Flame, Sunshine, Tomcat, and Reef shades pop against the city’s skyline is the ultimate reward. It’s more than just a successful coating job- it’s a permanent part of Wellington’s cultural story, and a testament to what happens when industrial expertise meets world-class creative vision.
More than Just Powder Coating
At PCS, we are proud to have provided the protective “skin” for Martin Basher’s largest public work to date. This project proves that whether we are handling a 1,000kg steel sculpture or a high-performance industrial fleet, our commitment to durability and aesthetic excellence remains the same.
Wellington, your “Big Flowers” are officially in bloom and they are built to last.
