There are some additions to Eagle Heights that speak for themselves the moment you see them. Our incredible metal vulture sculpture is absolutely one of them.
Created by the hugely talented Lee Whitehead of Second Life Steel, this stunning piece has quickly become one of our most talked-about features — and once you know the story behind it, we think you’ll love it even more.
From Boot Fair Finds to Beautiful Sculptures
Lee has been creating metalwork sculptures for over 15 years, and his journey is one of those wonderfully accidental success stories.
It started as a hobby — something completely different from a stressful day job. Armed with reclaimed metal sourced from boot fairs and donations from friends, Lee began crafting small pieces: a fish, an owl, a robot or two. Gradually, the sculptures grew in size and ambition — to the point where, as Lee puts it, he was banned from bringing them into the house.
We’d say that’s the mark of a true artist.
Turning Metal into Meaning
What makes Lee’s work so special isn’t just the skill involved — it’s the intention behind each piece.
Perhaps his most powerful commission to date is the Knife Eagle, created for the Kent Police Violence Reduction Unit. Crafted from knives surrendered or recovered from the streets, the sculpture transforms objects associated with harm into something undeniably beautiful. It’s a piece that invites you to stop, look, and think — about the impact of violence, and the possibility of turning something destructive into something meaningful.
That philosophy resonates deeply with us here at Eagle Heights. So when the opportunity arose to commission Lee to create a vulture sculpture for the Foundation, it felt like a natural fit.
Why a Vulture?
Vultures don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Often misunderstood, these birds are in fact one of nature’s most vital clean-up crews — essential to healthy ecosystems and quietly extraordinary in everything they do.
Much like Lee’s work, there’s more to them than meets the eye.
Our metal vulture captures that perfectly. Crafted with incredible attention to detail, it’s a striking celebration of a bird that deserves far more appreciation — and a reminder that beauty can be found in the most unexpected places.
Come and See It for Yourself
The sculpture is on display here at Eagle Heights, and we’d love for you to come and see it in person. It’s the kind of thing that photographs don’t quite do justice — you really need to stand in front of it.
While you’re here, why not book an Eagle or Owl Experience and meet some of our incredible birds of prey up close? We think Lee would approve.
A huge thank you to Lee Whitehead for this extraordinary piece. To see more of his work, visit secondlifesteel.co.uk
