The London 2012 Paralympic Torch has been created to represent modernity and innovation, with a mirrored finish reflecting the light of the Flame and teams of Torchbearers that carry it.
The Paralympic Torch was designed by London-based designers Edward Barber and Jay Osgerby. Reflecting the UK’s talent in design and manufacturing, it was created by working in partnership with Basildon-based product engineers Tecosim and Coventry-based manufacturers The Premier Group.
The Torch has been given a mirrored finish which means that its colour will adapt to its surroundings. It will not only reflect the light from the Flame but also shine bright on the teams of Torchbearers that carry it and the communities that it travels through on the 24-hour Relay from Stoke Mandeville to the Olympic Stadium.
Design: light yet strong
- Made from an aluminium alloy, the Torch is light whilst having good strength and excellent heat resistance. Thousands of round perforations, made using cutting-edge laser technology, help ensure that heat from the flame is quickly dissipated without being conducted down the handle.
- The perforations also make the Torch lighter and give it a strong texture that is easy to grip.
- They also offer a transparency that allows people to see right to the heart of the Torch and view the burner system which will keep the Flame alive.
- The Torch stands 800mm high.
- The Torch is made up of an inner and an outer skin. These skins are held in place by a cast top piece and base.
- Although appearing completely seamless, the Torch body is actually made from six separate components.
Shape: the power of '3'
The three-sided form was inspired by the multiples of ‘three’ identified across London 2012. One of these is the Agitos, the symbol of the International Paralympic Committee.
The three Agitos encircle a central point to emphasise the role the International Paralympic Committee plays in bringing athletes from all corners of the world together to compete. In the same way, the three sides of the Paralympic Torch encircle the Paralympic Flame.
The three Agitos encircle a central point to emphasise the role the International Paralympic Committee plays in bringing athletes from all corners of the world together to compete. In the same way, the three sides of the Paralympic Torch encircle the Paralympic Flame.
Colour: a reflective finish
The Torch reflects light and shines to light the way during the night, which is particularly appropriate for our overnight Relay.
The Paralympic Torch Relay is all about community involvement and engagement, and the Paralympic Torch reflects the communities it will be travelling through.
It is always changing depending on its surroundings, so is adaptable and flexible.
The Paralympic Torch Relay is all about community involvement and engagement, and the Paralympic Torch reflects the communities it will be travelling through.
It is always changing depending on its surroundings, so is adaptable and flexible.
