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'A living
object expressing both the uniqueness of the individual and the
common rhythm of humanity.' This was the concept behind the stunning
technological reality of the 2002 Queen's Jubilee Baton.
The Baton was
designed by a company called IDEO and is constructed of machined
aluminium with the handle plated for conductivity. It weighs 1.69
kg, reaches over 710mm, and is 42.5mm to 85mm in diameter. The Queen鈥檚
message itself is held in an aluminium capsule inserted into the
top of the Baton. On either side of the Baton are two sterling silver
coins, designed by Mappin and Webb, which celebrate the City of
Manchester as host of the XVII Commonwealth Games.
But the true
wonders of the Baton are the sensors inside, which detect and monitor
the Runner鈥檚 pulse rate. This information is conveyed to a series
of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), via a light behaviour module. The
lens then transforms the LEDs into a shaft of bright blue pulsating
light which synchronises with each new Runner. The hearts of the
Runner and the Baton beat as one until it is passed on, symbolising
the journey of humanity and the essence of life.
The Baton will
begin to beat when it is handed to Her Majesty The Queen, on March
11 2002 at Buckingham Palace, for the start of The Queen鈥檚 Jubilee
Baton Relay. When it finishes its journey, finally reaching the
City of Manchester Stadium on 25 July 2002, The Queen will release
the capsule from the Baton and read the message within to the Commonwealth
Nations.
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