Sheffield pals beat lockdown boredom by building 13ft-high steel stag

Plenty of us found ourselves at a loose end during lockdown, but two friends from Sheffield passed the time with a unique DIY project.
By Steve Jones
Published 13th Dec 2020, 16:55 BST
Updated 16th Dec 2020, 10:22 BST
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Graphic designer Mark Crooks, 50, from Woodhouse, and plater Jason Reynolds, from Gleadless Townend, have laboured away every weekend for five months to build a 13ft-high steel stag, which currently resides in Mark’s garden.

Mark said: “I started a similar project with a lion at the beginning of the year and it wasn’t going to plan. It was proving to be a little bit more technical, so I put it to one side.

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"I was trying to think of a project to do...just for something to do. That’s when the idea started.”

Mark with his 13-ft creation made entirely of steel.Mark with his 13-ft creation made entirely of steel.
Mark with his 13-ft creation made entirely of steel.

The future of the giant structure, which was finally completed on Saturday (12 December), is not known but Mark and Jason are open to ideas.

It is made from 431 individual pieces of corten steel – the same material The Angel of the North is built from – which will eventually give it a self-repairing, protective layer of rust.

Mark said: “Conveniently, it’s a suitable colouration for a stag. Once it’s fully rusted it will take on another aspect because it will just look that step further finished.

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“We have got no idea how we are going to move it, it’s very heavy. I’m 6’1 and it dwarfs me.”

The steel stag was five months in the making.The steel stag was five months in the making.
The steel stag was five months in the making.

The rusting process could take between two and six months, depending on weather conditions.

“I’m praying for cold weather,” Mark joked.

Friends and family who were previously unaware of what Mark and Jason were making have been impressed with their creation, which has yet to be given a name.

Mark said: "It’s gone down really well. I’m very pleased with it and proud. I’m happy with the quality of it.

Mark's half-finished steel lion, which he plans to finish making.Mark's half-finished steel lion, which he plans to finish making.
Mark's half-finished steel lion, which he plans to finish making.
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"I’m just really pleased it’s finished, five months is a long time working on one project. Doing the grinding was a chore.”

He added: “Now I have got some renewed enthusiasm I’m going to have to go back to the lion.

"I have got half a lion sat in the corner of the driveway, it looks like the stag’s eaten the head.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.

Related topics:Sheffield