Big Dipper by Sarah van Gameren

RCA summer show: part production line and part performance, Big Dipper is a machine that produces candle chandeliers by automatically dipping wick into vats of molten wax.

The machine is calibrated to make 24 chandeliers in a 24-hour period and was designed in collaboration with a clockmaker.

Big Dipper was designed and built by Sarah van Gameren, a student on the Design Products course at the Royal College of Art in London.

Above and below: van Gameren demonstrating Big Dipper

It is featured in the RCA summer show, which continues until 28 June.

Below is van Gameran’s description of the project:

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Sarah van Gameren, Platform 8

Big Dipper

Big Dipper dips twenty-four chandeliers using the technique of candle making. The machine rotates and lowers strung wick chandeliers periodically, building up 12 layers for each. After twelve hours, twenty-four chandeliers are completed and a new cycle can begin.

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• Lighting
• Design