Great Waddle of Worcester features artist’s steampunk bird

Dr Waddlecog is the brainchild of artist Kevin Baumber, and is one of 40 penguin artworks dotted across Worcester from July 22 until September 15 for the Great Waddle of Worcester.

The Waddle is the latest in a series of Wild in Art events delivered by St Richard’s hospice.

Penguins will be auctioned after September 15 to raise money for the charity’s free care to patients, loved ones and bereaved people in Worcestershire.

Yamazaki Mazak, one of the largest employers in Worcester, sponsored Mr Baumber’s creation.

Kevin Baumber with his steampunk creation (Image: Supplied)

The CNC machine tools and laser processing machines that Yamazaki Mazak designs and manufactures are the same technologies that Mr Baumber uses to create his artworks, including Dr Waddlecog.

The artist has garnered a reputation for his ‘welderbeasts,’ formed of cut and welded sheet metal.

His work to date includes bulls, horses, and dogs – though the Great Waddle of Worcester is Kevin’s first foray into flightless birds.

Mr Baumber said: “I’ve always been a big fan of steampunk and thought it would make a really interesting theme for a penguin sculpture.

“The helmet and jetpack were very much influenced by the film The Rocketeer.

“However, I’ve added lots of little nods to the steampunk culture.

“At first glance, the feet look like they are scaled but when you look closely, you can see it’s actually a series of small cogs.

“It was quite a complex process.

“While the technology I used isn’t in the same league as a typical Mazak machine, it was nice to see some synergy between the techniques I deployed and those that Mazak manufactures.”

CNC and laser processing technologies were used to create Dr Waddlecog (Image: Supplied)

Dr Waddlecog is located at the Crowngate entrance to the High Street in Worcester city centre.

The penguin has a hidden surprise that is only discoverable after dark.

Richard Smith, European group managing director at Yamazaki Mazak, said: “We are proud to be part of such a meaningful project that aligns with our values and commitment to community support.”

For more information on the event, visit https://waddleofworcester.co.uk.