COLLECTION CARE OF BRONZE SCULPTURES

COLLECTION CARE IS OUR SPECIALITY!

For the conservation and preventive conservation needs of a sculpture collection, we have an approach to care that considers the big picture. We have been looking after some collections for over thirty years, so we can confidently say that our methods and approach are proven.

High-profile clients, particularly those with sculptures in the public domain, continue to work with us for decades because our approach is professional and we can be relied upon.

Caring for a collection of bronze sculptures is not just about being able to conserve bronze. It is a multifaceted endeavour that requires expertise, diligence, and a deep appreciation of art and history.

At Antique Bronze, we are dedicated to preserving sculpture for future generations, employing a holistic approach that considers the unique characteristics of each artwork and the collective significance of the whole. By putting together our conservation expertise and forging collaborative partnerships, we strive to ensure that bronze sculpture collections in our care remain vibrant, inspiring, and accessible for years to come.

Image of a bronze plaque from Victoria Embankment

THE SECRET OF OUR SUCCESS

Working with the client to understand their ethos and vision

Some collections are about education, others are for pleasure, some commemorate historical figures, and others are there to make a site a vistor destination. Although the granular details about how we care for sculpture may not change, the focus does, and we tailor our routines, work times, and frequencies specifically to the client’s needs.

Understanding the Collection

Although every bronze sculpture is unique, understanding each piece’s history, context, and significance is essential for devising a tailored conservation plan. We take the time to conduct research, be in touch with artists or estates and look at the historical and artistic contexts of the collection to ensure that we know as much as we can about the details of individual sculptures and how they relate to the entire collection. We are interested in the works we care for!

Comprehensive Assessments:

Managing a collection of sculptures requires regular assessment. Sometimes, this is carried out informally by notes and meetings and at other times formally with written reports, metrics and analysis depending on the client’s requirements. At the route of assessments are regular and meticulous inspections of each sculpture, considering factors such as material composition, fabrication and placement within the space. By analyzing the collection, we can identify patterns of deterioration or conservation needs that may affect multiple artworks, enabling us to prioritize and address them efficiently.

A Tailored Conservation Strategy

Once we have a nuanced understanding of the conservation needs of each artwork and the client’s preservation goals, our treatments aim to improve stability and condition across the whole site. We identify urgent issues as well as important ones and others related to H&S so that problems don’t arise themselves to a client unexpectedly. We are not merely there to ‘do’ conservation but to be a client’s eyes, and help them avoid pitfalls which saves money! Restoration if expensive, we can help prevent it!

The Camel Corp Memorial, part of the sculpture collection in Victoria Embankment Gardens, London.

Stewardship:

There would be no point in caring for a collection without looking at its environment. The surrounding zone usually has more to contribute than anything else when we look at the condition of sculptures. We take the time to work with all those around a sculpture -including security, gardeners, tour guides, environmental cleaners, and even public performers! Those spending time in the vicinity of bronze don’t necessarily know anything about it, and we find that the greatest gains in condition for a collection are when we work with everyone in their environment.

Documentation and Records:

Effective management of a bronze sculpture collection requires documentation and record-keeping practices. We maintain detailed records, including condition reports, treatment histories, and photographic documentation. By establishing a comprehensive archive, we facilitate ongoing monitoring and assessment, enabling us to track changes in condition over time and make informed conservation decisions.

Collaborative Partnerships:

Caring for a collection of bronze sculptures often involves collaboration with a network of stakeholders, including artists, curators, collectors, custodians, donors, suppliers and contractors. We foster collaborative partnerships built on mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to preservation. By leveraging the expertise and insights of diverse stakeholders, we enhance our conservation results and ensure that the collection receives the best chance of an excellent long-term outcome.

Education and Outreach:

Finally, we recognize the importance of education and outreach in fostering appreciation and understanding of bronze sculpture collections. While working on-site, we try to talk to the public and explain what we are doing and why we are there. Many people feel more comfortable with art in public spaces than those within galleries and museums. As we take the time to know the art we care about, we can talk about the artists and why they have created the work and point people toward further resources. We also host a podcast all about public sculpture because we want people to know about the incredible sculpture in their areas and because we love it, too!