🗿 Commissioning Bespoke Metal Totems: Public Art in Brighton & Sussex

jamie0747
Jun 8
3 min read

Public art has the power to transform everyday spaces into places of meaning, memory, and inspiration. 🎨✨ One of the most impactful and enduring forms of public sculpture is the metal totem—a vertical structure that draws the eye, symbolises identity, and enhances its environment.

At South Coast Metal Fabrication (SCMF), we specialise in crafting bespoke metal totems that are both sculpturally impressive and structurally sound, proudly serving Brighton, Sussex, and beyond. 🌊🏙️

Whether you’re a local authority, developer, architect, or community leader, commissioning a custom metal totem can elevate your space and celebrate your story. Here's everything you need to know. 👇

🎯 Why Commission a Metal Totem?

Metal totems serve as powerful landmarks, focal points, and storytelling tools. They can:

Reflect community identity 🧑‍🤝‍🧑
Celebrate local history 🕰️
Mark the entrance to parks, developments, or cultural sites 🏞️
Serve as standalone works of contemporary art 🧵

Crafted in materials like stainless steel, mild steel, bronze, or CorTen, these structures can age beautifully, resist weathering, and stand proud for generations.

📍 Site Considerations

The placement of your totem is everything. Is it a central public square? A quiet park corner? A school courtyard? 🏫

We'll work with you to:

Evaluate the ground conditions 🪨
Consider lighting, sight lines, and pedestrian flow 🔦
Account for health and safety regulations 🛑
Provide anchoring and installation strategies that suit your site

👉 Explore our previous Gallery of Work for examples of pieces that enhance both urban and rural settings.

🏛️ Planning & Permissions

Many public installations in Sussex require planning approval—especially in conservation areas or near listed buildings.

We can support you in:

Producing technical drawings and 3D renders 📐
Consulting with local councils
Advising on height, materials, and lighting limitations
Preparing for planning application submission 📋

Public art doesn’t have to be complicated—we help simplify the process.

🤝 Community Engagement

One of the best things about public art is its collaborative potential. 🗣️

We’ve worked with:

Local artists 👩‍🎨
Community organisers 🏘️
Schools & youth groups 👧👦
Cultural charities

Workshops and consultations can ensure your totem reflects shared values and identities, not just design trends.

Check out our Sussex Metal Fabrication page to see how we connect creative ideas with expert fabrication.

🔧 Fabrication & Installation

All our totems are made at our Brighton-based workshop, where we combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. 🛠️💻

We specialise in:

CorTen steel finishes for natural weathering 🌧️
Hand-polished stainless steel for sleek modern looks ✨
Modular builds for easy transport and install 🚚
Integration of lighting, signage, or digital components 💡📱

Every piece is built to withstand the elements—and to wow viewers for years to come.

🔄 Ongoing Maintenance

We’ll advise you on the best long-term care:

CorTen needs minimal maintenance but may benefit from controlled patina development 🟤
Stainless steel should be cleaned seasonally for optimal shine 🧽
We can offer annual checks or one-off maintenance visits if needed

📬 Contact Us

Ready to bring your vision to life? Contact us today to discuss your project.You can reach us via email at jamie@southcoastmetalfabrication.com or by phone at 07879 923 425.

Alternatively, visit our contact page to send us a message.

At SCMF, bespoke metalwork is more than just a design choice—it’s an investment in quality, creativity, and individuality. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional craftsmanship tailored to your needs.