Bronze Casting Sculpture: Lost Wax Technique

About this course

Participants develop an individual sculpture in wax before observing how investment moulds are made, fired and prepared for casting. The course includes demonstrations of wax running-up and bronze pouring, with learners involved in the stages of mould opening, metalwork and finishing. Tutor and technician guidance supports the process throughout. The final stages focus on refining the bronze cast and applying patination, alongside an introduction to workshop health and safety.

What you'll learn

• Explain the main stages of the lost-wax bronze casting process.
• Model and work with wax to create a small sculpture.
• Finish and patinate a bronze cast work.
• Produce a bronze cast sculpture through the moulding and casting process.
• Apply good workshop health and safety practice.

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to learners at all levels, including complete beginners, and does not require previous experience. Participation combines individual wax modelling with observing demonstrations and taking part in the later finishing stages, with guidance from the tutor and technician.

• No previous experience is required.

Before you go

• Basic materials, including up to 1 kilo of bronze, are included.
• Bring overalls and steel toe-capped boots, or boots or strong shoes.
• Bring a sketchbook, pencils and an idea or plan for the wax sculpture.
• The proposed work should be small, approximately within hand size, to suit the process and course timescale.