Casting of artwork

The moulding and casting of artwork is a logical supplementary activity of the bell-founder. At Eijsbouts we use two techniques, the sand moulding and the cire-perdue (lost wax) method. The sand moulding technique is usually applied to large models which are moulded using fine sand and then cast in bronze. Depending on the size and shape of the mould, it can be cast in one piece or several pieces which are then welded together, finished and patinated.

Cire-perdue

The cire-perdue method uses a wax model enclosed in a heat-resistant substance and then melted out. Molten bronze is then cast in the hollow mould. On request, Eijsbouts can provide technical drawings and strength calculations for reference in executing and placing the artwork. Although the moulding and casting of bells strongly resembles the manufacture of art castings, they are actually two quite distinct disciplines, each of which requires its own expertise.

Artists

Royal Eijsbouts maintains good relationships with many artists who have had their work cast at Eijsbouts foundry. Often the objects are single pieces such as statues, commemorative plaques, ornamental bells, mortars, name plates, engravings and ornaments. For the bell-founder accustomed to working with liquid bronze, it is always a new challenge to do justice to the sculptor's or artist's creation.

Cees Andriessen

Shinkichi Tajiri - Palace Noordeinde, The Hague, The Netherlands

Wim Rijvers