Millmead Optical Group’s collaboration with Yair Neuman has officially begun – and the process of creating a sculpture from its factory’s lens swarf and discarded demo lenses is now underway.
Since the project’s original conception, the company has broadened its scope and focused on its Liverpool heritage by offering a summer internship to a fine art student from Liverpool John Moores University. They are working as an artist’s assistant under Yair’s creative guidance, as they both bring the sculpture to life over the summer.
Millmead’s head of marketing, Peter Cronin, who is overseeing the project, commented: “As someone born and raised in Liverpool, it’s exciting to see how various strands of the project are coming together in a way that is bolstered by talent and resources from the local area. We couldn’t be prouder of the opportunity to lead the way as a sustainably-driven organisation. The finished sculpture will be exhibited here in Liverpool before commencing a short road trip to some key cities, and then will be exhibited at 100% Optical before finding its natural resting place at ABDO College in Canterbury.”
Dr Robert Cubbidge, ABDO College principal, said: “We’re thrilled that Millmead has chosen to donate its See the Light sculpture to ABDO College and we’re looking forward to its unveiling early next year. The industry has really begun to understand the importance of sustainable actions and business practices, and initiatives like this one will help shape the narrative in years to come.”