And finally...

In conclusion to this project, I have really enjoyed exploring ideas and methods surrounding the theme of World War one.

I have learnt lots of new techniques and processes which will help with my future work.

In terms of my props, I think that they fit the brief in aiming for realism. I tried to adapt/ make these items as close as I could to the real thing, keeping in mind the lecture we had with Chris at the beginning of the project about how Realism is without embellishment or interpretation etc.

I think that experimenting with a mock up lid for the Queen Mary tin paid off as this helped me eliminate errors to make my final tin as best as it could be. If I was to make this again however, I would experiment with different ways of making it (vacuum form/ casting & moulding) to get an even more realistic finish.

The Teddy Bear went well, however I feel that if I had more time I would experiment with different ways of ageing it to give a more realistic feel. I also thought once I had finished whether it would be possible for the audience to see the ageing from far away as this is a prop for theatre. This is something I have to consider more with my work in the future.

Health and safety for my props

Making the Queen Mary tin

• ·         Make sure you have a clean work space
• ·         Cut the wire carefully. Make sure your fingers aren't in the way and you don’t let small bits of wire go everywhere. This could injure somebody later on.
• ·         Be careful of your fingers when using sandpaper.
• ·         Be careful when using scissors to scratch the tin. Scratch away from you because if you slip, this could lead to injury.
• ·         Clean work space afterwards.

  

Making the Teddy bear

• ·         Be careful with scissors when cutting the fabric etc.
• ·         Take care when using the un-picker; it is very easy to slip.
• ·         Be careful with the needle as you are sewing. You can wear a thimble if necessary.
• ·         Clean work space once finished. 

Health and safety

Vacuum forming army helmets

• ·         Make sure you have a clean work space. Objects in the way of your work could be dangerous to you and others around you.
• ·         As you use scissors/ scalpel to cut the plastic, be careful your fingers aren't in the way.
• ·         When using the drill (for the block of wood) in the workshop, make sure you are wearing goggles and steel toe capped boots. Also stand at arm’s length from the machine and hold the block of wood with one hand as far away from the drill bit as you can and another hand on the drill handle. 
• ·         When mixing plaster, make sure a ventilator is on above your work space. (red handle should be pointing upwards)
• ·         When using the large cutting machine, make sure all fingers, long hair, dangling jewellery/ ID’s are away from the blade.
• ·         When using the vacuum former, do not touch the plastic as it is melting... it’s hot! Make sure you clamp the machine’s handles down so there is no chance of the hot plastic slipping and burning somebody.
• ·         When using the band saw, wear goggles and make sure ventilation is turned on. You can use a stick on the side closest to the saw to push the plastic through. Turn the machine off by pressing the red button and clean the space (with a brush, not your hand!) for the next person.

Fibreglassing an army helmet

•    You should wear your goggles, mask and gloves at all times.
• Make sure ventilation is on.
• Mix the polyester gel coat and hardener with a wooden stick. Wear goggles, mask and gloves! Don’t mess around when doing this, there are other people other than yourself you can harm! Stick to the correct measurements when using liquid hardener… too much and it becomes extremely flammable.
• Keep the sheets of fibreglass in your space… it is easily spread and can be quite harmful if shreds of it are breathed in.  Wear gloves and mask for this!
• Tidy your work space after you have finished with it.

Moulding and casting

• ·         Make sure you have a clean work space.
• ·         Be careful of your fingers when using the hot glue gun!
• ·         Mind your fingers when cutting the thin plastic. Also put the scalpel in a visible place you can find it afterwards as people are easily hurt if they can’t see sharp objects near them.
• ·         When mixing the silicone liquid and hardener wear goggles, gloves and mask.
• ·         When using the vacuum degassing machine, make sure the lid is on the top when in use. When you want to release the pressure, move the handle slowly!
• ·         Wear gloves when pouring the mixture into the mould and be careful not to spill any!

Making bread and cheese from polystyrene

• ·         Make sure you have a clean work space and work on a board.
• ·         Be careful when using the carving knife! Cut away from you and make sure your fingers aren’t in the way.
• ·         Use the shaping tools carefully, make sure your fingers aren't in the way.
• ·         Clear your space regularly, polystyrene builds up quickly!
• ·         Mind your fingers when using sandpaper too.
• ·         Clean your work space completely after you have finished.

Health & safety at its most fashionable! 

Ageing the Teddy Bear (3)

I continued ageing the bear because I didn't think it looked totally right yet.

I unpicked a section of the leg and patched that up with the hessian material.

I also unpicked some stitching on the right arm to show that that is the worn side, as he carries the Teddy Bear with that arm.

I have decided not to age the bear more as the child would have only had it for 7 years, so some damage would have been done to the bear, but not as much as you see in pictures today of 1900s Teddy Bears.

I'm pleased with how the Teddy Bear has turned out. I think that I made the right decision not to age the bear too much, as it would be used for a production set in World War one rather than today.