Brian and Tom pouring the first piece of the bull sculpture from our new 250 Kg crucible.
The Bronze is at 1085 deg c so we try not to splash it about too much.
Tom Alabaster working on the plaster case mould of Brian's Hereford Bull
Robin Denning working on the mould
the view down from my drawing studio
A helping hand with the difficult bits from my son Tom
Doing the finishing touches
The finished clay back in my studio
Awarded the commission for a life size Hereford bull for Hereford City centre
I modeled the bull from life using a modern working bull on a local farm as inspiration. This involved a fully hands on relationship with the bull and many weeks getting to know him in detail.
Sculptor commissioned to produce lifesize bronze for Hereford city centre
Putting the first coat of silicone rubber onto recently completed clays for a family commission.
Burning out the furnace with a thermic lance
20 july 2011 Casting day today.
We got up early to open the kiln and have been pouring since 9.00am. So far the pours have gone quite well, it is always difficult to judge exactly what temperature to pour different pieces but fingers crossed. We have poured all the flasks with the heads and arm in and are just about to pour the bodies. We have another two crucible full pour so should be finished for a late lunch.
Tom, my youngest son is helping Jim and I today and is doing fine, we will open up the casts tomorrow when they are cool.
Tom plastering up the burnt out moulds with scrim and plaster of paris to strengthen them.
Jim checking the temperature of the metal with a thermocouple.