Steel, set with optical glass lenses, Sheffield, 1996, designed by Wendy Ramshaw, RDI, CBE, 1995, commissioned by the V&A for the staff restaurant.

Steel screen set with optical glass.

The double screen, named EH 9681 and designed by Wendy Ramshaw was commissioned by the V&A for the new Staff Restaurant. It was installed in 1997. The letters and number EH 9681 refer to the code given by the Sheffield steel mill at the point of manufacture. These screens were made from a three by six metre steel plate, cut in half and then the pattern subsequently cut into each plate. The cutting of the steel was controlled by computer controlled water jet which enabled the design to be executed without the slightest deviation from Ramshaw’s original drawing. A comprehensive account of this commission is available in the following publication: Wendy Ramshaw – The Big Works, Hipotesi, Barcelona, 2004 ISBN 84-607-994-1. A copy of this publication is available in the National Art Library of the V&A. There was no specific publicity given to this commission on completion as it was a part of a larger project; the conversion of the former Royal College of Art Studios into new conservation studios, Museum offices and staff restaurant.

M.83:1-1997