Flying steamroller by the Thames

The magnificent Flying Steamroller (1996), by American artist Chris Burden, is in London until Sunday.

0steam03.jpg0steamrol3.jpg

Every half hour the 12-tonne machine is spun around on a massive piston. The steamroller is driven in a huge circle until its maximum speed is reached. At the same time, the hydraulic piston is activated and pushes up the beam from which the steamroller is suspended.

The engine then lifts off the ground and continues to spin, or fly, for several minutes.

Up at The Parade Ground, Chelsea College of Art & Design, Millbank (next to Tate Britain) until 15 October 2006. Images. Also on view are 14 Magnolia Double Lamps.