Commissioning a bronze Rhodesian Ridgeback

How does the process work for having a dog made on commission? 

The process of commissioning a bronze Rhodesian Ridgeback is as follows; a non-binding appointment comes first. If the dog can be present during this, that is very pleasant. A personal meeting with the Rhodesian Ridgeback is nice to be able to observe the dog well. If the dog is no longer there, I can do a lot with photos and your instructions. Then we discuss how you envision the bronze dog. In a walking or jumping movement, lying down, standing, with or without a stick or, for example, with a ball. You name it. In principle, everything is possible. Good photos of the dog are very important to me, as well as the typical things the owner would like to see reflected in the Rhodesian Ridgeback bronze sculpture.

Wax model

I start by creating a wax model of the Rhodesian Ridgeback. Zodra ik tevreden ben maken we een afspraak om dit wasmodel te komen bekijken. Tijdens dit bezoek kan er worden aangegeven wat er eventueel nog mag worden aangepast. Zodra het wasmodel is goedgekeurd dan gaat het naar Bronsgieterij Flassh in Balk.

To the bronze foundry

A silicone mold is created on the wax model. The wax is heated and the bronze is poured into it. The sprues and vents are attached before the wax model is molded with a mixture of grog, plaster, and water. In the firing oven, the molds are baked for three days at 600 degrees. The wax melts and runs out of the molds. The molds are dry after three days. On the casting day, the bronze is melted with a reducing flame (green) in a crucible in the melting furnace. The bronze is approximately 1150 degrees when cast. Once the mold has cooled, it is unpacked and cleaned.

The patination

All pouring and venting channels, as well as any irregularities, are ground, chiseled, and sanded away. Once the bronze-cast model is finished, the bronze dog is patinated. Using chemicals and a torch, color is applied to the bronze sculpture. Finally, the Rhodesian Ridgeback sculpture it is coated with wax and polished. And if desired, it is placed on a pedestal. 

It is very enjoyable to be a part of the entire process yourself!

Are you interested in commissioning a bronze Rhodesian Ridgeback?

Feel free to contact me without any obligation for more information: