To see more and discover the full range of casts we do in every material visit the Examples page.
Cold Cast Anything
Cold castings resembles foundry castings or solid marble etc but at a significantly lower cost. They are essentially fibreglass shell sculptures with a surface layer containing a very high powdered material content, which gives the cast its colour and texture. This coating is a blend of about 20% resin and 80% powder, which is polished to expose the included material, looking to all intents and purposes like a solid object. This coating can be cast into a mould or applied to the surface of an existing cast, whichever is most appropriate.
One huge advantage, besides the lower price, is that they are extremely light but very strong and are easily hung on the wall on just a picture hook or nail. Our wall-mounted casts will come ready to hang with string or picture wire on the reverse. In smaller castings we may use the resin mix to create solid, more weighty casts which can be free standing or attached to a base. These solid casts are reassuringly weighty, adding to their sense of quality.
Cold castings are warm to the touch, unlike solid metal or stone, but are more resistant to damage generally as they tend to be less brittle. They are a brilliant compromise when cost or weight is a factor, offering beautiful, high end, bespoke portrait sculptures to anyone, irrespective of income.
Other Colours
Any material that can be powdered and mixed with resin can be cold cast. So stone powders like marble and slate are options as well as graphite, talc etc. Many decorative finishes are possible beyond the classical metals. If you don’t see what you are after just ask. I’m sure we can do it if we haven’t already. It’s all the same process.
History
During the late 1950’s a UK based sculptor called John Tiranti developed the “Cold Cast Resin Metal” process which was to make such an impact in his field. Using the newly available synthetic resins, developed during after after the second world war, it provided an improved technique to that of bronze coloured plaster casts which were their predecessor. This breakthrough transformed the sculpture world for ever, providing an alternative to expensive foundry based, lost wax, bronze casting. Available to any sculptor, amateur or professional, without the need for special equipment it has radically changed the way sculptors work and produce originals, often being used as a sample before taking orders for the same piece in foundry bronze.
With the introduction to the marketplace of silicone rubber for mould making in the mid-sixties, the cold casting process really took off. Half a century later the method remains unchanged and is far more widely used than foundry bronze, providing high quality sculptures at prices affordable by most. The process is used extensively in the film business is props, sets and costumes.