The art of lost-wax casting has existed for thousands of years, the principal method the same, the materials varying over time and across continents. On this course, you will be introduced to the basics of bronze casting using the lost-wax method.

The course will begin with a short presentation on lost-wax casting, so that you can be working with an understanding of the global and historical context of the craft.

You will then commence wax sculpting. You will be given 200g of natural modelling wax, using locally sourced beeswax. With this, the tutor will guide you to sculpt whatever you desire on a hand-held scale. The possibilities are vast. Lost-wax casting is a technique used diversely, from sculpture to jewellery, to engineering, to household functional objects, and your tutor is enthusiastic to help you create something specific to you.

You will learn and participate in mould-making using the ceramic shell process. The tutor will fire up her portable furnace on day 4, and you will watch your pieces be cast in bronze. On the final day of the course, you will be introduced to the basics of metal chasing and patination.

Course learning outcomes:

• Through the course, you will learn an array of basic techniques for wax-sculpting. You will understand the use of wax sculpting within the context of lost-wax casting, as well as a ground knowledge of the whole process of metal casting, through a light introduction to the global and historical culture of lost-wax casting.
• You will be given enough methods and understanding so that you will know what you need and be comfortable to continue wax-sculpting on your own accord following the course. The tutor is an advocate of making methods accessible and will emphasise the possibility of sculpting easily from the home.
• You will leave having participated in and watched the whole lost-wax bronze casting process, from wax to bronze. You will therefore leave with a good understanding of how lost-wax cast objects have been fabricated.

Included

On this course, the College will supply most of the materials, including bronze, slurry, silica, chemicals and fuel costs.

Natural modelling wax will be provided, made by the tutor.

What students need to bring

• Ideas for your project, sketchbooks and pencils
• You can bring an existing wax piece to cast, however, you must contact your tutor in advance to discuss this. Please see below.

Available to buy

Available from shop:

• A good selection of art materials

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals). Safety boots if possible. Bronze casting requires safety equipment such as eye shields and these will be provided.

Please contact the tutor by emailing: [email protected] to discuss your ideas for your piece ahead of time. You can bring an existing wax piece to cast, however, you must contact your tutor in advance to discuss this. It will need to be a) purely wax or materials that can burn away and b) be a suitable size for this short course.

Please note, your workshop will be in the Sculpture Courtyard, which is a 10-minute walk from the main house through the walled garden or can be accessed by car. The Sculpture Courtyard is open on one side, so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning coffee and afternoon tea will be held in the nearby Carrington Studio.

Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration  
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm  
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break  
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)  
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break  
Teaching finishes: 5pm    
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)  
Teaching finishes: 3pm  

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

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