Like the fragmented Anglo-Saxon helmet, Kirby's work is made of many pieces of metal, evoking an object reconstructed by an archaeologist.[1] The sculpture intentionally emulates the fragmentary appearance of the helmet's second reconstruction, reassembled from 1970 to 1971 by Nigel Williams,[22][23] rather than the glistening replica made by the Royal Armouries.[13] Sutton Hoo Helmet was described by the National Trust as "fantastic—such a striking image and it has a real wow factor",[1][19] and by the East Anglian Daily Times as an "iconic" sculpture greeting visitors to the site.[14]