I undertake commissions for portrait sculpture from private individuals as well as from corporate clients and public bodies. For a life size portrait sculpture, the cost is about £4,800 plus VAT when done in London and takes 4 to 6 months from the first sitting to the finished bronze. This may seem like a long time but the work is meticulous. The usual sequence is as follows:
1.The process starts with a meeting with the client to discuss the likely setting for the portrait sculpture, such as a home interior, an office lobby, or erhaps an outdoor garden. The size of the portrait sculpture needs to fit in with its surroundings. A life-size portrait sculpture is normal for a home interior but smaller-than-life or larger-than-life size may be better suited in other locations. Measurements of the client are also taken and a series of photographs taken.
2.Work starts with the preparation of a terracotta clay model for the first sitting session. The sitting session can be carried out at an address suitable to the client or at the artist’s studio in West Wimbledon.
3.For optimal results, the terracotta model is ideally modeled from life. This is not always possible and I can work solely from photographs if they have been taken from a variety of angles. The sitting time takes on average 10 hours. This time breaks down into about 5 two-hour sessions that are themselves are divided in periods of sitting and of rest. Clients are encouraged to discuss the work in progress and make suggestions or requests. The terracotta model is then finished to the client’s satisfaction.
4.The process of turning the terracotta model into finished bonze then begins. A negative silicon rubber mould is first made of the terracotta model. Next, a hollow wax positive is cast from this mould. This positive wax cast is then worked by the artist to make good and imperfections.
5.A hollow heat resistant shell is then made from the positive wax cast. This hard shell, set in sand, is then ready to receive the high temperature (1,300 degree C) liquid bronze from the crucible.
6.After cooling, the bronze is then worked on to make good any imperfections and to measure the piece for a suitable base (polished granite or other) of the client’s choosing.
7.The finished portrait sculpture is colored (patination process) with metal oxides in accordance with the client’s wishes. It is then waxed and polished to slow down the natural oxidizing process or left natural. |
