Large Bronze Puffin Sculpture - Flippy Flappy
Large Bronze Puffin Sculpture - Flippy Flappy
Large Bronze Puffin Sculpture - Flippy Flappy
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Standing on Bempton Cliffs overlooking the vast expanse of sky and deep blue Sea, it’s hard not to feel small. I love that feeling – a feeling of awe and wonder – of remembering how big the world is and how insignificant you are in the great scheme of things.
Whenever I chat to people on the cliffs they share the same feelings. It’s a wonderful connector, and I’ve had incredibly profound conversations with strangers as we look out to sea. Those of us who find ourselves drawn there find comfort in the vastness of it all.
It was at Bempton Cliffs where I spotted my first Puffin. They’re so tiny against the sheer white cliffs that they take quite a lot of spotting. But once you see those bright orange feet and beak they’re unmistakeably Puffin, and the joy at seeing one always leads to spontaneous outbursts of delight.
It’s these feelings that transferred to my bronze Puffin sculptures whilst I was creating them from bags of clay.
I sculpted 3 – Flippy Flappy – who was the first, followed by Arthur Flap and Puffin Billy.
Their names are quite ridiculous and I love them all the more for it – Puffins are known as the clowns of the sea so it’s fitting.
The three make a wonderful group – chatting away together I often wonder what they’re talking about. They’re always such cheerful, optimistic birds, nothing seems to phase them and are a reminder to us humans to ‘always look on the bright side life.’
Limited Numbered Edition #1 of 12
Approx. Size 25cm height x 39cm width x 27cm depth
- Art Foundry cast in England - traditional craftsmanship
- Exclusive Limited Editions - less than 12 in the world!
- Incredibly tactile - soothing to touch
- Orders are sent securely via tracked post for safe delivery
- Signed certificate of authenticity
- Highest quality bronze
UK Delivery
UK Delivery
UK DELIVERY – FLAT RATE £7
- Flat UK delivery rate of £7 no matter the order size
- 2-day dispatch with Royal Mail Tracked 24
- Please allow up to 5 working days for delivery
International Shipping
International Shipping
- Flat rate of £30 for tracked international
- Delivery times vary by destination
Bronze Guide
What is bronze?
Bronze is a metal alloy mostly made up of copper.
Mass-produced bronzes often skimp on the copper content and use tin, lead, and iron instead which leave the sculptures open to corrosion and breakages.
The bronze used for my sculptures contain a high copper content of 96%, along with 1% manganese and 3% silicon. The added silicon strengthens the sculptures, although it makes the process more challenging and costly for the foundry.
The difference between hot and cold cast bronze
Hot or cold?
Cold cast bronze refers to sculptures made with resin and moulds, sometimes finished with bronze powder to mimic the look of a genuine bronze sculpture.
Hot cast Bronze involves creating a mold from the original sculpture, followed by the creation of a wax copy. The wax piece is then dipped multiple times in a ceramic coating, creating a sturdy shell. This is then heated in a kiln to melt the wax. Molten bronze can then be poured into the ceramic shell.
Once cooled, the ceramic shell is removed, and the sculpture is assembled and perfected. The finishing touches involve patination to create beautiful surfaces, followed by a seal of hot wax that gives the sculpture its sheen and protects the surface from the elements.
Provenance
Can you trace the sculpture’s journey from the artist to your hands?
Look for sculptures made in the UK by reputable foundries, as they proudly put their name to their work. And for your peace of mind and future valuation, you’ll receive a signed certificate of authentication alongside your bronze sculpture.
Limited editions.
The number of pieces in an edition directly impacts their exclusivity and value.
Higher edition numbers indicate less exclusivity, while lower numbers make each piece more sought after.
Caring for your bronze
I personally recommend enjoying my bronze sculptures indoors to keep them looking their best. A wipe over with a clean, soft, dry cloth is all that’s needed.
Due to the organic nature of bronze, it will, over time darken. In areas where it is rubbed by hands it may eventually show the original bronze through any patina. This becomes part of the piece's story.
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Exclusive Limited Editions
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Foundry Cast
Highest quality bronze hand-casted in England
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