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ROBERT'S SCULPTURES
- WORKING METHODS -
1
CLIENT'S REQUEST
2
USING PHOTOGRAPHS
Robert starts using the photographs and the more detailed work is completed with the sitter in front of him where this is possible. The number of sittings may vary. Normally five or six sittings of one or two hours will be sufficient. Robert has studios in both Malta and Scotland and is available to travel and work at the client’s home if this is more convenient.
3
CLAY MOULDING
Robert models the likeness in clay initially and will then ask the client or their sponsor to approve the work before starting the bronze casting process. No further changes can be made to the bust after this stage.
4
CASTING & PATINATION
Once the sculpture has been approved by the client, the design is cast into bronze by a process known as "the lost wax method". This takes time and skill and is typically done at a foundry close to where the clay original was sculpted. The final stage is the colouring of the bronze known as "patination" which is done by the careful application of heat and chemicals.
5
PROCESSING TIME
The process typically takes about six months from starting the modelling until delivery of the finished artwork to the client.
Robert gets frequent requests from clients to produce portrait busts in bronze and, except when these are of historical figures, they are normally produced from face to face sittings as well as from photos taken at the start when the type of pose required and the type of expression are also discussed.
COST
The cost to produce a bronze portrait bust can vary according to the size and complexity of the composition and the scale of the bust.
Robert’s current prices for a life size portrait are as follows:
Head and Neck from £9,000 excl VAT (Euros 10,500)
Half Figure (Portrait from waist upwards) from £15,000 excl VAT (Euros 17,500)
Full Length Figure from £25,000 excl VAT (Euros 29,000)
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