The Lockbund Artist's Foundry process

1: The selected leaf is laid on a bed of clay and a mould of silicon rubber is created.	2: Wax is meticulously painted into the details of the mould
3: Over the next five days, the wax is covered with layers of ceramic shell to make a strong white investment.	4: This is then fired. The wax melts away leaving a hollow shell.
5: In the foundry, the bronze is heated to 1200ºC and then carefully poured into the ceramic shells.	6: The ceramic shell is removed to reveal a magnificant bronze leaf. This is then ‘finished’ by craftmen using metal-working tools. The separate leaves are assembled to complete the full plant. Patination commences using chemicals for different colour-effects.