Bringing them to life.....

Research

Extensive research goes into creating a 'look' for the statue. The research is of vital importance to capture, not only the look, but the character and personality of the subject. Getting the facial features accurate is just part of the process, the stance too must be typical of the subject for the pose to work convincingly. Research may include photographs, family contacts, autobiographies, video footage, magazines or even the subject's tailor!

Maquettes

Up to three 18 inch preliminary miniature sculpts (technically known as maquettes) are then provided for the client to choose a preferred pose (or 'look'). When a decision is reached, a final highly-detailed and superior-quality bronze resin maquette is provided. This, if wished, can be reproduced in any number to raise funds for the final statue.

Sculpting

The statue is now sculpted. This is usually in clay with a steel armature underneath to support the weight. It is normal to do a subject slightly larger than life to give the statue more presence. This is the most time consuming part of producing the statue as during several weeks our skilled sculptors begin to breathe life into producing our client's vision. All visualisations and images of work in progress can be sent digitally to the client on a regular basis anywhere in the world for their approval and comments. Our client's can rest assured that the clay sculpt is never completed until they are 100% satisfied.

Moulding

The moulding process begins with the original sculpture being 'walled up' before silicon rubber is painted a layer at a time over one half. When it is set into a flexible mask and every detail of the statue - down to the artists' fingerprints - is encased, it is secured rigidly by the addition of a fibreglass jacket. The process is then repeated with the other half. Finally the mould is broken open into two halves again and the sculpt removed.

Foundry

The mould can then be delivered into the safe hands of the bronze foundry. The sculpt is cast using the technique of 'Cire Perdue', or 'The Lost Wax' method as it is now more commonly known. Lost wax casting involves replacing a thin layer of wax, contained within the casing, with molten metal. It is a technique practiced well over 2,000 years ago by Chinese and ancient Greek craftsmen and has changed little in time. This process of the statue is a world of tradition all on it's own, as are the skills and knowledge used to produce our final piece in bronze. After the casing, pouring, demoulding, chasing and patination, at last, what started as a fragile and transitory original, is born again in permanent form.

Stone Masonry

Meanwhile the plinth is being prepared for it's host. Using whichever stone or material deemed most appropriate to enhance our statue to it's full potential, our stonemason carves using the traditional stone masonry methods and tools (many made himself). York stone, Marbresina, granite and marble are just some of the mediums that can be used. Drawing from his vast knowledge and experience, he takes tremendous pride in making sure the plinth and text sits in harmony with the bronze.

Unveiling

The many hundreds of hours of planning, fund raising, work and dedication come finally to fruition at the unveiling ceremony. It is a day of tremendous pride and achievement and the most satisfying moment for all concerned. Indeed, emotions run high in what started out as an idea, but eventually accumulated in a wonderful spectacle and befitting tribute to whoever or whatever became a legend in sculpture.