5 Day Bronze Casting Course
Back to In-Person CoursesThrough this comprehensive five-day journey, guided by your expert instructors, you will gain hands-on experience in each stage of the intricate lost wax ceramic shell casting process. From wax pattern creation to bronze pouring and finishing, you’ll not only acquire technical skills but also develop a deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication that bring this captivating material to life. This course will use the ‘direct wax casting’ technique which means using wax to make a model, forming and sculpting it like clay or plasticine.
Course Description
Through this comprehensive five-day journey, guided by your expert instructors, you will gain hands-on experience in each stage of the intricate lost wax ceramic shell casting process. From wax pattern creation to bronze pouring and finishing, you’ll not only acquire technical skills but also develop a deep appreciation for the artistry and dedication that bring this captivating material to life.
This course will use the ‘direct wax casting’ technique which means using wax to make a model, forming and sculpting it like clay or plasticine.
Day 1:
Introduction to lost wax ceramic shell casting process. You will learn about the history of this ancient art and material. You will understand the combination of lost wax and ceramic shell techniques in bronze casting and delve into the art of crafting intricate wax patterns.
Day 2:
Wax patterns and ceramic shell. You will learn wax working skills so that you can create your desired bronze sculpture, with help and guidance from the instructors as much as needed. You will gain hands-on experience in creating molds using ceramic shell materials and immerse yourself in the ceramic shell building process.
Day 3:
Ceramic shell building and wax removal. You will discover the layering technique using ceramic slurry to create shell structures. You will witness the fascinating process of wax removal from ceramic shells, achieved through kiln heat and understand how hollow shell structures are formed, preparing them for the bronze pouring stage.
Day 4:
Bronze pouring. You will explore the chemistry of bronze composition and its melting points, learn safety protocols for handling molten bronze and witness bronze pouring into prepared ceramic shells.
Day 5:
Finishing work. You will progress to the finishing phase, where you’ll learn how to clean the bronze and chasingtechniques to refine your sculptures. You will then finish with patinating your sculptures.
By the end of the course you will have your own bronze sculpture to take away with you.
This is a slightly longer course option, where the teaching will be slightly slower paced, and there will be a nudge more time to spend on each stage, allowing a chance to complete a slightly more complex wax sculpture. This course will also offer the chance to learn the techniques to do a more complex patina.
Things to bring
This course does not require you to bring anything, but a few things we would recommend are listed below.
• Note pad and pen - if you are a note taker
• Camera/phone to take photos
• Any specific sculpting tools if you already have a favourite
Additional Information:
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes sturdy 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 wear clothes made of natural fibres and prepare to get a little dirty.
Please note, the course will be held in our working foundry, and is next to the field where campers will be camping and meals are shared. This will be in an open canopy on one side so be prepared for any type of weather. Morning and afternoon breaks will be held here as well as lunch. Lunch will be vegetarian, please let us know if you have any dietary requirements.
Camping - £160 for 4 nights
We are really excited to offer the option of camping to those who wish to do so. Please bring your own tent and this will be on site and you will have use of a shower and toilet block throughout your stay.
We will provide a breakfast and evening meal which will be held in the shared social area we use throughout the learning days.
Camping is an extra £40 per night and if you wish to, you are welcome to arrive the night before your course begins, but please let us know in advance.
Camping can be paid for at a later date, and will just send an invoice over when this is necessary.
Accommodation
If camping isn't what you’re after, we do have a selection of B&B’s we recommend and can send these over when requested.
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