“Encountering the whimsical,” that’s the feeling that washes over you as you approach The Dragon Bench Statue. This isn’t just any bench. It’s a statement, a story etched in steel, a blend of art and functionality.
The Dragon Bench Statue represents innovation in 3D printing. Joris Laarman, a Dutch designer born in 1979, conceived this impressive bench. His studio, Joris Laarman Lab, brought his vision to life. Laarman developed his own 3D-printing robot to make The Dragon Bench. It’s called the MX3D. The robot draws molten metal lines in the air. This creates the bench’s unique form.
The MX3D robot arm melds and welds the metal. Stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or bronze can be used. It works regardless of orientation. It needs no support structures. The Dragon Bench showcases Laarman’s explorations in fabrication. He achieves this through innovation in 3-D printing.
The Dragon Bench Statue, in its prototype form, has impressive dimensions. It measures roughly 39 3/8 x 137 13/16 x 98 7/16 inches. This makes it a substantial piece.
The story of another dragon sculpture in Glasgow offers an interesting contrast. A sculpture commissioned by St George’s Co-operative Society once adorned their flagship store. The sculptor, Charles Grassby, also worked on other city buildings. This included the Henderson Street school. He also designed the statue of James Watt in Glasgow Green. He even contributed to the City Chambers. Removed in the 1980s, it was gifted to Glasgow and re-erected in 1988.
While this dragon has a different history, it shares a connection with mythical creatures. Bella, a 121-meter-long mythical serpent, resides at Stockingfield Bridge Art Park. Bella’s head was unveiled in March 2024. Communities collaborated on the mosaic tiling of Bella’s head. The mosaic work includes handmade tiles and plain tiles. Local communities created the handmade tiles. Seven winds are depicted along Bella’s body in different colors. She carries a world egg in her mouth as a symbol of hope.
The Dragon Bench Statue is a fusion of art, technology, and design. It invites you to pause and appreciate the possibilities of modern creation.