A new Guinness World Record has been set after the world’s tallest hat stand was erected last week in London.
Measuring 4.6 meters tall, the pink sculpture is located at Billingsgate Wharf, overlooking Tower Bridge.
Steve Clarke, 59, who works for Asylum Models and Effects – the company that made the stand said: “Guinness world records came to verify it this morning. It took eight weeks and roughly 10-15 people to build this.”
The new attraction – made of aluminum and plastic – had been built for the insurance broker Beazley, who are celebrating their 80th anniversary.
The hat stand itself is a nod to the insurance brokers origins because a hat stand in the original office became a symbol of the company. While the 40 bowler hats on top of the structure, marks Beazley’s 40 years active in the UK.
Clarke said: “They are having a big party here so the stand will be used for photo opportunities.
“I am not sure what makes it officially a hat stand, but Guinness World Record declared it today, so that’s enough for us and the client.”
Asylum, who are based in Wimbledon, are not shy of working on unique projects.
Past creations include a 12ft pair of giant moving legs for Manchester pride – for Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK and a rocket suit worn by James Buckley for Ladbrokes “Bettors of Britain” campaign.
Clarke said: “We only work on strange projects; we are continuously working on them. It’s our specialty.”
However most famously they built the current Apple TV ident, which became viral across social media.
He said: “A lot of people thought it was made with CGI, but we made it for real in a studio.”
“We have also done a lot of stuff for the Fantastic Four Movie and Avengers.”
But what to people think of it?
Alex, 24 said: “I love the colour and it’s an interesting shape.”
But others were less convinced, Holly, 24 said: “It think its trite as hell, I am so un-charmed by it.”
Dividing opinion, but is it here to stay?
Sadly not, after the two celebratory parties on Wednesday and Thursday, the statue’s all too brief time in the spotlight came to a close when the sculpture was removed.
Featured credit image: Raymond du Plooy
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