A prototype of the London 2012 Olympic torch,designed by Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby has been unveiled
Standing 800mm high,the torch is made up of four key pieces'an inner and an outer aluminium alloy skin perforated by 8,000 circles that are held in place by a cast top piece and base.Representing the 8,000 torchbearers who will carry the Olympic flame,the circles which run the length of the body of the torch allow people to see its centre and the burner system that will keep the flame alive.
The circles also help ensure heat is quickly dissipated without being conducted down the handle and provide extra grip.
East-London based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby have been working in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry-based manufacturers The Premier Group.Together they have developed the prototypes and the processes for the mass production of the torches,which is due to start later this year.
Commenting on the project,designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby said:'We have worked hard to develop a torch that celebrates the relay,and reflects the passion for London and the Olympic Games.We wanted to make the most of pioneering production technologies and to demonstrate the industrial excellence available in the UK.'
