Producing a Bronze Sculpture of a Commissioned Work


One of the most crucial aspects of producing a bronze sculpture lies in its timing. Usually 2 to 3 months are required for the process to be completed, but that is only an estimate and may be influenced by other factors specific to an order.

Why does it take so long? Well, typically the foundry needs 1 to 2 weeks alone to make the mold (unless, of course, the mold is already made). Wax casts are then shipped to the artist for whatever work on them is necessary; they are then shipped back to the foundry. They are then cast - usually within 4 to 6 weeks. Finally, the artist must take a trip to the foundry to approve the bronze castings - in my case that's a pleasant trip from Nova Scotia to Ontario! In addition to assuring that quality and perfection are maintained for the bronze cast, the artist must also supervise (or leave accurate instructions for) the process of applying the patina to the bronze.

It must be noted that rush orders are possible; they do claim a higher cost though.

(The bronze here is entitled "Misia".)

Some related topics:



Producing the Bronze Sculpture

  1. Once the artist has completed the final sculpture in clay, there are several steps necessary to produce a bronze sculpture of the artist's work by the "lost wax process". These steps involve a combination of work by the casting foundry and the artist. each step has an associated cost. In each case the client commissioning the work pays for the foundry charges. These will include:

    1. the making of the mold;
    2. the making of a wax from the mold from which the bronze cast can be made. Included in this charge are the following:
      1. the wax itself;
      2. the casting of the wax; and
      3. the application of the patina on the bronze.

      4. It is during the process associated with 1.b) above, that the artist inspects and does any work necessary on the wax replica. Later, it is necessary to inspect the bronze for any further corrections and then supervise the application of the patina. The client pays the artist for involvement in these steps. My normal and the accepted minimum procedure when working out the cost is to charge the same fee as the foundry charges for each piece. This then in fact, becomes the price of the commissioned bronze to the client.

      5. I have used foundries in the U.K., Canada and the U.S.A. I find the foundry Art Cast Inc. in Georgetown near Toronto, Ontario to be fully satisfactory in all respects.

      6. The usual time required for casting is anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks from the time they receive the approved wax. The mold can usually be made within a week of receiving the original sculpture; however, much always depends on the foundry's schedule.



      Copyright Issues

      There are two conditions to determine copyright:

      1. an uncommissioned work
          The copyright is vested in the artist.

      2. a commissioned work
          The copyright becomes vested in the commissioner (i.e. the purchaser); this right can pass by written agreement between the two parties; it is necessary to establish the intent of how the copyright might be used; the artist retains the control of casting and patina.


      Producing a Small Terra Cotta Sculpture


      "Daphne and Babe"

      For the making of a small Terra Cotta sculpture, the commission price of $1,000 (USD) includes modelling, drying and firing the clay and any appropriate colouring desired by the client.

      All text and images are Copyright © Alison MacNeil 1959-2003