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 was given a mirrored finish which meant that its colour adapted to its surroundings. It not only reflected the light from the Flame but also shone bright on the teams of Torchbearers that carried it and the communities that it travelled through on the 24-hour Relay from Stoke Mandeville to the Olympic Stadium.

Design: light yet strong

• Made from an aluminium alloy, the Torch was light whilst having good strength and excellent heat resistance. Thousands of round perforations, made using cutting-edge laser technology, helped ensure that heat from the flame was quickly dissipated without being conducted down the handle.
• The perforations also made the Torch lighter and gave it a strong texture that was easy to grip.
• They also offered a transparency that allowed people to see right to the heart of the Torch and view the burner system which kept the Flame alive.
• The Torch stood 800mm high.
• The Torch was made up of an inner and an outer skin. These skins were held in place by a cast top piece and base.
• Although appearing completely seamless, the Torch body was 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 encircled the Paralympic Flame.

Colour: a reflective finish

The Torch reflected light and shone to light the way during the night, which was particularly appropriate for our overnight Relay.

The Paralympic Torch Relay was all about community involvement and engagement, and the Paralympic Torch reflected the communities it travelled through.

It was always changing depending on its surroundings, so was adaptable and flexible.