In the bustling crossroads of Bree, tucked in amongst the tightly packed thoroughfare, stands the Prancing Pony—a temporary shelter and point of rest for the weary. 

This storied inn has seen many a traveller find solace by its roaring hearth, with tales exchanged over pints of frothy ale. The Prancing Pony sign, weathered by countless seasons, is more than just an invitation—it's a promise of respite, an ease of burdens, and modest comfort.

Step into the world of Middle-earth with the Prancing Pony Corten Steel silhouette, a lively creation from our latest Metalbird collaboration!

This piece captures the welcoming spirit of Bree’s most famous inn, inviting travellers—be they hobbits, dwarves, or your friendly neighbours—to gather 'round. Perfect for adding a touch of rustic charm to your garden or favourite outdoor spot, the Prancing Pony sign lets you celebrate the heart of every great adventure: good company and a warm hearth.

So, find a tree, give it a tap, and let the stories unfold!

Features:
Designed by Wētā Workshop concept artists Simon Lissaman and Iona Brinch, made by fellow NZ-based innovators Metalbird;
Crafted from 3mm Corten Steel and designed to last a lifetime;
Easy to install: simply tap with a hammer;
Corten Steel patina changes colour over time, protecting the material for years to come.

For seven and a half years, Wētā Workshop poured its heart and soul into crafting over 48,000 props, weapons, costumes, creatures, prosthetics, and environments for The Lord of the Rings film trilogy, helping to transport audiences to the enchanting world of Middle-earth.
Since then, our journey hasn't stopped. We've remained dedicated to exploring the realms of creativity, making, learning, solving, and inspiring across various artistic mediums. And we're excited to continue sharing that journey with you. That's why we're teaming up with fellow New Zealand art enthusiasts at Metalbird to provide joy and inspiration to all, with a fantastical twist, bringing Middle-earth closer than ever to a prominent wooden surface near you.

“In 2009, I created and installed metal bird silhouettes around my neighbourhood, just for fun. Amazingly, people felt and instant connection to them, and I was flooded with requests from friends and strangers alike. Over a decade later, Metalbird has become a sprawling global art project and a champion for bird conservation worldwide, all while maintaining highly ethical standards of production.”
- Phil Walters – Founder, Metalbird

WHAT’S CORTEN STEEL?
Corten Steel, also known as 'Weathering Steel,' is utilized in high-end exterior architecture, and for good reason. Exposed to the elements, within weeks it develops a patina that seals the steel and preserves it for decades. Additionally, it leaves behind a beautiful, even colouring that darkens over the years. Secondary paint systems, such as powder coating, quickly result in failure. Paint doesn’t endure well outdoors – it cracks, allowing water to penetrate and rust to seep out. Opting for self-sealing Corten Steel is the path to achieving a long-lasting, excellent result.

WILL THIS DAMAGE MY TREE?
While any damage to a tree's bark can lead to potential infection, there haven't been any reports of damaged trees since Metalbird was introduced. In fact, arborists working with Metalbird believe that when the spike is driven firmly into the tree, the tree will seal around the hole to naturally protect itself. Of course, if you prefer not to install your Metalbird in a tree, there’s a whole world of posts, sheds, wooden walls, and fences to explore.