Starting with a short presentation on lost-wax casting, you will then begin to work with an understanding of the global and historical context of the craft.

You will work with 200g of natural modelling wax, made by the tutor according to a traditional Newari recipe, using locally sourced beeswax. You will be guided to sculpt a subject of your choice. The possibilities are vast. Lost-wax casting is a technique used diversely, from sculpture to jewellery, to engineering, to household functional objects. Your tutor is enthusiastic to guide you to create something specific to you.

There will be an option for the sculptures to be left with the tutor to be bronze cast for an agreed additional fee, or kept safely for use on a follow-on, comprehensive bronze casting course later on in the West Dean calendar.

By the end of the course, you will have learnt 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 to be comfortable to continue wax-sculpting of your own accord following the course. Your tutor is an advocate of making methods accessible, and will emphasise the possibility of sculpting easily from home.

Included

On this course, the tutor will supply some of the materials, including the natural modelling wax. The College will supply some of the materials, including spirit lamps, isopropanol/methylated spirits, tools and equipment.

What students need to bring

• a Pencil
• Simply bring some ideas of what object you would like to make.
• appropriate clothing as the course is held in the Sculpture Courtyard which is open on one side

Available to buy

Available from shop: A good variety of general art supplies

Available from tutor: Bronze casting service

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals.

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. You will return to the main house for lunch.

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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