Create work that people remember.
Fabrication and installation of large-scale artworks and bespoke commissions
£29,000 to £35,000 per year, depending on experience
Full-time · Workshop-based · Gateshead, UK
Studio Vertigo and Full Blown are sister companies sharing one creative team in Gateshead, where art, design, engineering and fabrication come together under one roof. Together, we create internationally touring public artworks and immersive light installations, alongside inflated stainless-steel sculpture and bespoke commissions for architectural, cultural and luxury retail settings.
We are looking for an experienced Artwork Fabricator / Multi-Skilled Maker with at least four years’ professional experience in fabrication, multi-skilled making or a closely related practical field.
This is a predominantly hands-on position. You will work directly with the founders and the rest of the team, contributing to projects through fabrication, assembly, finishing, testing, packing and installation.
No two weeks are the same. You might spend one week fabricating components for a touring light installation, the next assembling and finishing a sculptural commission, and later travel with the team to install an artwork in a city centre or public space.
We are looking for someone who is genuinely enthusiastic about the work itself - someone who enjoys making high-quality work, takes pride in their contribution and remains engaged when each project presents something different.
The role
You will:
- Fabricate components and assemblies for large-scale artworks and bespoke commissions.
- Work primarily with metal, alongside other materials and processes when required.
- Read and interpret technical drawings, turning developed designs into accurately made work.
- Assemble, finish, test and prepare projects to a high standard.
- Pack and load large or delicate work safely for transport.
- Install and dismantle artworks throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
- Work outdoors at public-art installations and winter light festivals.
- Contribute to consistent standards of quality, finish, presentation and workshop safety.
What we are looking for
You will bring:
- At least four years’ relevant professional experience.
- Strong hands-on fabrication skills and practical experience working with metal.
- Experience using workshop machinery, power tools and hand tools safely and accurately.
- The ability to read technical drawings and work carefully from them.
- The ability to work with other materials and processes when projects require it.
- A careful, methodical approach and excellent attention to detail.
- Pride in the quality and finish of your work.
- The ability to work independently, take responsibility and collaborate within a small team.
- The flexibility to move between different projects, materials and workshop processes.
- A full UK driving licence.
- Willingness to travel and stay away from home, sometimes for two or three days at a time, when projects require it.
Experience in welding, mechanical assembly, electrical or lighting installation, exhibition or scenic fabrication, public-art installation, modular structures, rigging, packing or transport would be useful. We do not expect one person to bring every desirable skill: your practical ability, experience and work matter more than the precise route you took.
Why join us?
The opportunity here is not simply to work on unusual projects. It is to become closely involved in how they are fabricated, assembled, tested and brought into the world.
You will join a small, supportive and collaborative team with no layers of management between the idea and the people making it. Good ideas and practical judgement are taken seriously, giving you genuine influence over how projects are fabricated, assembled, transported and installed. You will see your contribution become finished work experienced by audiences and clients around the world.
What we offer
- Exceptionally varied work across public art, light installations, sculpture, architecture, luxury retail and bespoke commissions.
- Direct involvement throughout the life of a project, from workshop fabrication through to final installation.
- Flexible start and finish times, coordinated around workshop activity, project deadlines, installations and the needs of the team.
- Overtime paid or taken back as time off in lieu, by agreement.
- Required travel and installation time treated as working time, with time outside contracted hours managed as overtime or time off in lieu.
- Eligibility for a discretionary annual profit-related bonus after 12 months’ service.
- Opportunities to travel throughout the UK and occasionally overseas.
This is an on-site role at our Gateshead workshop. We welcome applications from candidates willing to relocate to the North East.
How to apply
Please apply with:
- Your CV.
- A portfolio or relevant examples of previous fabrication or making work, making your own contribution clear.
- A brief note explaining why you would like to join the team.
Applications will be reviewed as they are received, so early applications are encouraged. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the application process.
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
