M Is For Maker

With one foot in tradition and one in innovation, how does Somerset inspire its workers? Over the coming months VIK MARTIN will take a stroll though the alphabet to find out

I’M setting up my lights in a darkened garage just outside of Radstock, secretly enjoying the smell of glue, paint and hot metal and generally gazing round in awe. The shelves are stacked with welding and cutting equipment and through a small window I can just make out what appears to be a giant, scrap metal human heart on wheels. I study drawings, plans and maquettes, thinking, ‘that’ll never work’ until I realise that some of them have already come to life and are sitting right in front of me. Suddenly, there’s a flash of light and Ruby Soho is standing in the open doorway sporting a full, frilly dress with a spaceship motif, a welding mask and gloves, and a big grin.