Bronze Sculpture by Irish Sculptor James McLoughlin
James uses ancient bronze working methods to create modern metal sculptural art.
James’ contemporary bronze sculptures can be found around the world in both private collections and on public display. Bronze is a timeless and durable medium which makes it particularly suitable to the outdoors and is a popular choice for public art works. Its versatility makes it suitable for small pieces as well and James’ bronze sculptures can be found in private collections across Europe and further abroad.
Bronze Sculpture in Ireland
James McLoughlin is an award winning bronze sculptor working out of his workshop in Cobh, Ireland. James was classically trained in London at the City and Guild of London Art School where he was exposed to sculptural works of all kinds, from the bronze works of Donatello and Michelangelo to Bernini and Rodin.
He has a particular interest in Irish sculpture, studying the Celts’ ancient metalworking and the prehistoric figures found in the Boyne Valley. James proudly continues the bronze working traditions of his ancestors, creating beautiful bronze sculptures of figures and animals.
The Art of Bronze Sculpture
James’ sculptures are crafted using the traditional lost-wax technique. This method dates back over 6,000 years, stretching back into prehistory. It is the method that has been used to create Ancient Greek, Renaissance, and contemporary bronze sculpture alike.
Creating a bronze sculpture through the lost wax method begins with carving the sculpture in wax, often around a clay or plaster core. The wax is then encased in a ceramic mould which is built to withstand incredibly high temperatures as molten bronze can get up to 1000 °C.
Once in the mould, the wax is melted away, and molten bronze is poured into the cavity left behind. The bronze is left to cool, and the mould is removed to reveal the metal sculpture art. At this point, the statue is hand finished with hand files and chisels, removing any seams and smoothing over rough areas. Depending on the clients wishes, the piece may then be finished with a chemical or heat treatment to help the bronze sculpture develop a patina which can range from browns and golds to greens and blues, depending on the chemicals used.
Notable Bronze Sculpture Commissions
James has created a couple of notable bronze sculpture commissions over recent years ranging from life size statues to regal animal busts.
Sonia O’Sullivan Statue
Sonia O’Sullivan is one of Ireland’s greatest living athletes so it is only fitting that there should be a life size sculpture of her in her hometown of Cobh, County Cork. Cobh Tourism commissioned James to create this statue in 2015, and it now stands on Casement Square near the Titanic Experience.
Royal Commissions
James was commissioned by Darley Stud Farm to create a bronze bust of the horse Cape Cross who is owned by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. The sculpture is on display at Darley’s Stud Farm and was officially unveiled by UAE Ambassador to Ireland, H. E. Dr. Saeed Mohammed Al Shamsi.
Types of Bronze Sculpture
Bronze Sculptures
Bronze sculptures can range in style and form to life size metal sculptures depicting people or animals to smaller abstract pieces. The durable nature of bronze makes it suitable for outdoor, or garden display and the pieces themselves can last for centuries under the right conditions.
Bronze Statues
James has an incredible talent for capturing a person’s likeness and personality within one of his bronze statues. You can see this in the way he has depicted Sonia O’Sullivan in her bronze statue which graces the streets of Cobh. Her joy and contentment in winning is almost palpable with her arms thrown back and the sly smile on her face.
Custom Bronze Statues
James proudly takes on bronze statue commissions, creating custom bronze statues for clients. Ranging from small to monumental, abstract to life like, James uses his artistic talents to bring your vision to life, creating a custom bronze piece that will last for decades to come. He is always happy to take on commissions from clients in Ireland and abroad.
Commission a Bronze Sculpture
Always happy to take on bronze sculpture commissions and finds inspiration in the process of working closely with his clients to bring their ideas to life.
The commissioning process begins with a simple conversation where clients share their ideas and James explains the casting process. If they are happy to proceed, James will create some sketches for the client’s approval before he begins the sculpting process.
While James is based in the southwest of Ireland, he takes commissions from around the world thanks to the powers of modern technology. If feasible, clients are welcome to visit him at his studio at an arranged date and time to discuss the project and see James in action however if that is not possible, he is happy to share videos and images as the project progresses.
Commissioning times vary depending on the size of the custom bronze sculpture as well as the other projects James is working on so make sure to get in touch to discuss your project and timeline.
Stone & Wood Sculpture
Alongside his bronze works, James also creates bespoke stone sculptures and wood sculptures. You can explore these dedicated pages to see the full breadth of his artistry.
Testimonials
A Real Professional