Bronze Garden Sculptures

Hot case bronze for the garden

Hot cast bronze is the heirloom tier. We sculpt in clay and wax, then cast using the ancient lost wax process so the character holds its detail and presence in the open air. If your priority is an outdoor piece with weight, longevity, and the richest finish, start here.

From book to bronze

Every piece begins with careful study of the original artwork, then the slow work of making form by hand before it ever reaches bronze. It is a process that honours the source material, and it is why these sculptures feel so true to the characters that inspired them.

Placement, plinths, and making it feel at home

One of the first conversations we have with clients is simply where the sculpture will live. Stone, gravel, lawns, brick, a pond edge, a walled terrace, each setting asks for a slightly different approach so the piece looks like it belongs. We can advise on positioning and, where helpful, suggest slate bases, plinths and display options, including more secure solutions for outdoor settings.

Some designs need elevation or a floating effect. When that is the case, we plan the fittings so your garden team can prepare with confidence. 

Lead times and delivery

Each sculpture is made to order. Current guidance is 12 to 20 weeks for hot cast bronze and 6 to 10 weeks for cold cast bronze. If you are working towards a particular date, tell us early and we will advise the best route. 

We offer worldwide delivery and can talk you through the practicalities for your location. If you are outside mainland UK, select “Overseas” at checkout or contact us so we can confirm requirements and timings.

Care and the living surface

Bronze is a living surface. Over time it will change with weather, air, and the particulars of your garden, and that gentle evolution is part of its charm. If you would like to slow the patina and keep the surface looking its best, we recommend simple waxing and sensible placement, especially for cold cast pieces. 

Next step: request the brochure

If you would like to explore the full collection, editions, and the stories behind the characters, request a brochure. It is the best way to choose a piece with confidence before making an enquiry. Request a brochure here.

FAQs

How do I choose between hot cast and cold cast bronze?

Hot cast is traditional poured bronze and is generally the best choice for year round outdoor placement. Cold cast is a bronze resin composite, lighter and more sensitive to knocks and extreme conditions. If you are deciding, start with our guide and we can talk you through what suits your setting.

How long do bronze garden sculptures take to make?

Because each piece is handmade to order, hot cast bronze typically takes 12 to 20 weeks and cold cast bronze typically takes 6 to 10 weeks.

Do you deliver internationally?

Yes. We regularly ship worldwide and can discuss options for your location, or you can select “Overseas” at checkout and the team will follow up.

Can you leave a bronze statue outside?

Yes. Hot cast bronze is well suited to outdoor life, and both materials will develop character over time. The key is sensible siting, avoiding obvious hazards, and simple care if you want to keep the surface looking a certain way.

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.