| Corten is a structural steel grade which is also | | | | treatment of some kind. |
| known as a weathering steel because it forms a | | | | It is little wonder then that this steel which |
| protective layer of rust when exposed to | | | | requires little maintenance and is interesting and |
| atmospheric elements. It is found in a variety of | | | | pleasing in colour to the eye, has become such a |
| industrial applications including bridge structures and | | | | popular material the new generation of artists, |
| steel framework. And yet in recent years it has | | | | sculptors and architects. |
| become the aesthetic material focus for modern | | | | Corten in Modern Art and Architecture |
| sculpture and is commonly used by leading artists | | | | You may not have noticed it, but corten steel is |
| and architects. | | | | popping up everywhere. A famous example is a |
| So why is there such an interest? | | | | sculpture in the North of England called the 'Angel |
| The reason for this popularity is quite simple. | | | | of the North' - standing over 20 metres tall and |
| Corten is a structural grade steel so has good | | | | with a wing span of 54 metres across, the |
| yield and tensile strength. It has good weldability | | | | sculpture which is located on a hill just outside |
| and forming characteristics too. But the main | | | | Gateshead and next to the busyA1 road, |
| reason for its growing appeal in the art and | | | | welcomes new visitors to the area. |
| architectural world is due to its natural rustic | | | | Other applications include: |
| appearance. | | | | · Facias for modern buildings including many art |
| As the surface level of the steel reacts with | | | | and technology museums |
| elements in the atmosphere, the material forms | | | | · Steel furniture |
| its own protective layer of rust which is almost | | | | · Street sculpture |
| orange like in appearance. It doesn't need painting | | | | · Modern bridges |
| or treating in anyway, the steel is for all intent | | | | · Garden features |
| and purposes 'self healing'. The only exception to | | | | · Art pieces |
| this is when the material is submerged under | | | | The material is available in two separate grades |
| water, in which case the outer surface will require | | | | and can be bought from numerous steel stockists. |