Envisage were approached by Crawley Creatures to manufacture bespoke commissions for a museum in Kuwait. We joined as model-making partners to make a range of bespoke, full-size marine animals to go in the Natural History Museum: Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre.

Realistic life size models of sharks, a saltwater crocodile, a giant squid and a 5m manta ray were manufactured by Envisage. They were computer numerical control (CNC) machined models made from a lightweight foam. To make the full models, the data of the animals was broken down to make machinable pieces. The saltwater crocodile was broken down into the four legs, the top of the face, bottom of the face, the tail, and the body. After we machined the pieces, they were assembled, before sending the models back to Crawley Creatures, who made the animals look realistic with paint, glass eyes, and teeth.

The Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre is part of Kuwait’s new National Cultural District. The centre consists of six buildings and is the world’s largest museum complex sitting on an 18-hectare site. The Natural History Museum has eight galleries, which includes a range of living ecosystems, centring around the planet, displaying natural wonders from the big bang to present life.

Jez Gibson-Harris, Director of Crawley Creatures, said: “Envisage Group’s skilled 5 axis machine work created realistic, life sized models of sharks, a Saltwater Crocodile, a Giant Squid and a 5 metre Manta Ray that we needed for a museum in Kuwait. The work was excellent and crucially for us produced on time. They are a great company to work with and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”

Envisage’s CNC capabilities extend beyond the automotive and engineering sector, as shown by the commissioning of realistic models for Crawley Creatures. For more information on what we offer and how we can support your next bespoke project, contact Mick mbradley@envisagegroupltd.com.