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Bronze Garden Sculptures
If you’re looking to bring a sense of magic and enchantment to your garden, these stunning literary-themed bronze sculptures are the perfect outdoor feature.
Inspired by the classic works of Lewis Caroll, Beatrix Potter, Norman Thelwell and many more—these handcrafted creations will transform any garden into your very own captivating Wonderland.
“There is something delicious about writing the first words of a story. You never quite know where they’ll take you.”
Beatrix Potter is one of the most beloved children's writers of the modern era, and her hugely popular books have been capturing the imagination of readers of all ages since the early-1900s.
A writer, illustrator, natural scientist and conservationist; she has created some of classic literature’s most memorable characters. Taking inspiration from the landscape and wildlife of the Lake District and the Scottish Highlands, she is best known for her twenty-three children’s tales, including The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, and The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin.
So many of the sculptures, water features, and miniatures from the Robert James Workshop collection are inspired by the English writer’s hand-drawn illustrations and rich, enduring stories—and the everlasting charm of her work can be found in the handmade bronze creations you find here today.
From the pages of Beatrix Potter’s famous books, to your garden, each character embodying a sense of enchantment and magic.
Testimonials
What our customers have to say
In 2020, in Australia, during a long lock down, unable to attend the Chelsea Flower Show as our borders were closed, we decided to buy Alice Enchanted garden sculpture for our garden. We had seen Alice at the Chelsea Flower Show and loved her. Her whimsical expression is so divine. She has such a grandly naughty personality in my imagination!
James and Karen were awesome in communicating the process of creation, packaging, pricing and how she would get to us. Considering the size and weight of the parcel, the postage was not as much as you might think! She was lovingly made, packaged up in an enormous wooden box which was filled with cushioning sawdust, and made her way to Australia on a plane with DHL.
We love her so much and she brings us so much joy in a world that certainly needs it. In 2021 we purchased Mr. Tod and went through the grand adventure once more- he is a handsomely debonair rascal.
Now my dilemma is how to convince the husband that there is definitely still a spot for a Rabbit or Hare in the garden and maybe Mr. Toad…
Our range of bronze garden sculptures, handmade in the UK, are inspired by the pages of classic literature. Using traditional techniques, available in hot cast bronze or cold cast bronze, these stunning garden features can add a sense of nostalgia and enchantment to your outdoor spaces. The perfect addition to your garden alongside a Water Feature and Miniature.
FAQs
Can you leave a bronze statue outside?
Our bronze sculptures are perfectly suited for gardens and outdoor spaces due to their robustness (particularly hot cast bronze) and resistance against the elements. You need to be more considerate when installing your cold cast bronze sculptures, however, as they are less resilient than the hot cast equivalent.
Why are hot cast sculptures more expensive?
A hot cast bronze sculpture, the more expensive method, uses an ancient process which dates back many thousands of years. It involves creating a hollow wax image of the sculpture which is coated in a thick ceramic layer over a number of months.
By choosing a hot cast bronze sculpture, instead of a cold cast bronze sculpture, you can guarantee it will last generations—whether indoors or outside in the elements.
How long will bronze last outdoors?
A bronze garden sculpture will last a lifetime, and many generations after you. The natural properties of bronze means your sculpture is incredibly robust and protected against the elements.
How do you protect a bronze statue outside?
Although a hot cast bronze garden sculpture is incredibly robust, you need to be a little more careful with your placement of cold cast sculptures as they will not withstand any kind of blunt impact. Position your cold cast sculpture away from older trees or anywhere it’s likely to topple over onto a hard surface.
How do you take care of a bronze statue?
Cold cast bronze resin castings will ‘weather’ like bronze in that they will patina a verdigris finish if left alone. To retain their radiance, we recommend a neutral wax coating at least twice a year. The highly polished areas can be restored by using a metal polish and a buff up.
The environment your bronze is placed in will also affect the surface quality. Salty air, bird excrement, plants and trees which produce certain saps, all these substances can change the look of the bronze.
Cold cast bronze resin sculptures are not as robust as hot cast bronze, so please take this into consideration when handling them. Always choose a solid part of the sculpture when lifting, avoiding the thinner and more vulnerable areas, or other protruding parts.
For hotter climates, or in extreme heat, consider removing them from direct sunlight.
How do you keep bronze from turning green?
Because of the high copper content in hot cast bronze and cold cast bronze sculptures, they will eventually develop a beautiful verdigris patina. The `living surface’ will change over time to create a stunning natural green aesthetic. If you’d like to slow down this organic process, you can apply a neutral wax.
What is bronze made from?
Bronze is made up of copper and tin, sometimes other elements such as phosphorus or aluminium are added in.
How can you tell the quality of a bronze garden sculpture?
As well as feel the weight and innate solidity of your bronze sculpture, you can also visually see the mirror finish. While metals are usually shiny, non-metals generally have a dull appearance. Meanwhile, older bronze pieces will develop a warm, rich patina on the surface.
There should not be white, crusty film or white dust on any part of the bronze sculpture. This is a sure sign that the piece is not genuine bronze. It’s also possible to use a plastic magnet to test the quality of your bronze sculpture. As magnets are attracted to ferrous metals such as cast iron, if your magnet sticks, you can be sure that it’s not the real thing.
You can also perform a simple tap test to check the quality of the bronze. If you strike a hollow place on the sculpture with a wooden dowel, true bronze will produce a satisfying ring, assuring you of its authenticity.
Is there a weight difference between hot and cold cast bronze?
As a hot cast sculpture uses a pure molten bronze, as opposed to a bronze resin composite, the weight difference, and, in turn, the robustness, is considerable. It’s also worth noting that due to the difference in the casting process, there are some subtle differences in size between the two sculptures. An Alice in Wonderland garden sculpture in hot cast bronze, for example, will be approximately 3% smaller than its cold cast counterpart. The process of making both hot and cold cast bronze sculptures is fascinating.
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