Artist Angela Hunter reports that a facility has been obtained to house the larger than life monument as the Turning of the Bull Monument begins to take form. Larger than anything Angela has done before, her normal workspace was not big enough for the creation of the monument. Angela spent several weeks looking for just the right place to begin work. Not only does Angela need floor space for such a piece, she needs head room, as she will be required to “hang” from various angles in order to create the entire statue. The statue will be approximately 6’ x 8’ when completed.
The artist sketch showing the side and rear views of the bull with William Rule.
A metal armature is being welded. This form becomes the framework for the life size bull. The next step in the development is filling the frame with bulk upon which the clay sculpting will take place.
The side angle shows the monument before the addition of William Rule.
The form takes shape as the welded structure is filled and prepared for the next step.
The Turning of the Bull Monument is taking shape. Artist Angela Hunter sends the above photo update of how the bull is coming along. Notice that the armature of William Rule has been put into place.
Sculptor Angela Hunter continues work on the larger than life sized Turning of the Bull monument to be dedicated in Hawick in 2009.
William Rule begins to take shape with his heroic act of saving the life of King Robert the Bruce.
Angela works to make William’s legs stand up to the task at hand
Finally William Rule gets dressed!
Artist Angela Hunter reports that progress is right on target. “The foundry people are coming on Thursday to make a start on the mould, so I am working on the finer details, sharpening edges etc. before they paint the silicone rubber on.” says Angela. Note the wonderful detail Angela has added to make this monument come to life. From William’s boots and knife to his muscles to the bull’s head, no detail has been left out. Wow! Time is moving - and while Angela might be right on target, fundraising still needs a boost! With over $80,000 still needed to complete the project, TCA needs your help! As part of the search for home, a heritage seeker wants to find a place to call his or her own, a place that will be more than a museum. This monument will be that focal point. Just think what this monument will mean to Turnbulls today and in future generations. Each one of us can have a part in making history! TCA is asking each member to help raise the additional funds needed. If you haven’t donated towards this historical event - one that will preserve the Turnbull name in the Borders forever - please consider doing so. The Foundry will require a deposit soon and Angela’s final payment will be due when she completes her part of the work. One member who wanted to be a part but had limited funds suggested a pledged amount that will be given in the form of payments over the next year. Perhaps others would like to follow that example. Every contribution of $500 or more recieves an official Turnbull Arms Flag flown by the Baron of Bedrule over the Turnbull Bedrule Castle Mound. Once these flags are finished, there will be no more. If you would like to obtain one of these flags, but cannot contribute $500 at one time, you may make a pledge of $500 and a flag will be saved for you. But you must act soon, as flags are in short supply. Contirbutors of $5000 or more, receive a desk or pedestal sized bronze version of the Turning of the Bull Monument. These are incredible and truly something to treasure. There are other ways to help. Host a fund raiser - dinner and entertainment in return for donations - let the teens host a car wash with proceeds going to the monument - ask each of your extended family members to contribute $. Whatever you can do will be greatly appreciated. Online donations can be made at www.turnbullclan.com. Follow the monument links. Checks payable to TCA to: William C. Trimble, 2125 Bluejay Ln., West Richland WA 99353 Donations are tax deductible. Let’s join together and show the Borders and the world that Turnbulls are still making history!
Final stage before the silicon rubber mould
The foundry craftsmen paint the silicone rubber on.
Artist Angela Hunter’s months of hard work is now proceeding to the next stage. Her culpture was created with a wax clay that unlike other clay items cannot be fired or dried. It’s sole purpose is for sculpting. The finished artwork must be transferred to another material to make it permanent - in this case, bronze.
Liquid rubber is applied to this finished clay model. The rubber is in its liquid state and goes into every hole and crevice of the clay. It is applied a few millimeters at a time. It is allowed to set overnight, then another small layer is applied. This goes on until the desired thickness is reached. When dry, it forms a flexible rubber mold. Because the rubber mold is flexible, there needs to be a hard backing to keep it in place. Therefore, the moldmakers apply a plaster of Paris (or plastic) mold, called a “mother mold,” on top of the rubber. Together, these two molds make up the “master mold.” This “master mold” is separated into pieces and the mold is scraped clean, destroying the original clay mold. Eventually, the pieces are put back together and a wax replica is produced. The heat melts the wax and it is replaced by bronze.
The casts of William’s legs have been made and taken off and the horns and arms removed to gain access to the rest of his body.
William’s front, now accessible, has been given the final coat of Silicone rubber.
The legs of the bull have been coated with plaster castings to support the rubber casting.
Common patina chemicals include salts, ammonias, nitrites, even urine (which, early patiners discovered, turns the bronze “the most beautiful emerald green”). The patina both adds color and provides a protective layer to the bronze to prevent it from oxidizing. While some artists do the patina themselves, many hire professional patiners, who experiment with a large number of chemicals and mixtures to make various patina “recipes.”
If the sculpture is very large, as is the Turning of the Bull it is called monumental or a heroic sculpture. These are usually cast as separate pieces that can be handled easily. If so, at this point, the pieces will be welded together or taken and assembled at the intended site. The piece is then polished and mounted.
Even though bronze sculpture is easy to maintain, it is not maintenance-free. As long as a sculpture is cleaned and waxed twice a year, it will retain its patina forever, but if a piece is not maintained, especially if it’s handled, the patina will begin to rub off and expose the bare bronze. A green oxidation will start growing. Some people like that look, but the original patina should be preserved.Source:www.mvandersommen.com). Angela Hunter has additional pictures of the construction on Flickr.
