Whilst the earliest use of cast metals by man is lost in the mists of the past, we do know that sometime between 3000 and 4000bc, bronze was created by mixing a tiny bit of tin into molten copper. The introduction of the tin made the resulting metal heavy and hard; the Bronze Age began.
Bronzes are either Lost wax cast or sand cast, Lost wax being used most often and especially for small pieces or where an edition is wanted and sand casting direct from an original sculpture for very large bronzes. Both processes were used from the time of the early Egyptian dynasties.
The process of ‘Lost wax’ bronze casting starts with the creation of an original piece of sculpture (I work in clay, a wax mixture or plastilene, which I build up on an ‘armature’ made of wire). From the finished sculpture, a mould is made using rubber, with an outer case of plaster for strength. Molten wax is then poured into this mold to create a replica of the original. The wax replica is then covered in a ceramic mixture, which is hardened creating a brittle case or ‘waste mould’. The waste mould is heated so that the wax melts out (Lost Wax) via runners and risers attached to the wax, leaving an empty shell with a reverse impression of the sculpture. Molten bronze is poured into the waste mould at temperatures exceeding 1000 degrees. When the bronze inside has cooled, the mould is cracked away, revealing the bronze sculpture.
The final processes are the Patination and Waxing. The Patina is created by applying certain chemicals that react with the bronze to create the unique colouration. The finishing coat of wax protects the bronze and gives it the subtle and lustrous sheen.
Almost all of my work is commissioned and I get a great deal of pleasure from bringing a clients idea from just that to a finished work of art that will last forever.
I can make sculpture to any size from small to monumental.
Whether the sculpture is to be a magnificent public monument or a private portrait, the process is pretty much the same. I give a great deal of consideration to design, location of the final bronze and client expectation as well as creating the individual beauty of the sculpture.
The procedure is:
The timescale depends largely on the size and complication of the sculpture as does the price. Prices for bespoke work start at £2,500 and minimum time scale for a small bronze is around three months.
For Public works I take great care to plan:
“I have finally been able to carry out my dream and no-one could have captured Gracie as well as you have!”
“Wonderful… I wanted Carlos to be saying “DANGER DANGER!” and Rocky to be saying “Say What?” I think she has got it absolutely right!”
“through your amazing perception, translated into art, I came face to face with something very special to me. I was moved beyond words…..and still am”
“ Her work is exceptional and is now recognised throughout the world as being so”
“Many people who have the gift of drawing , painting or sculpture, do not find it difficult to reproduce the beautiful form of horses. Very few artists, however, can evoke the actual feeling that comes from this magnificent creature in the way that Carolyn Morton does; it is rare!”