Monday 22 July 2013

A history of casting


London 2013

The V&A - Casting Court 

The Casting Courts at the V&A house an extensive collection of plaster cast and electrotype reproductions of architectural details throughout Europe during the nineteenth century. The collection allowed architects and visitors, who were unable to travel, the opportunity to view and sketch from some of europe's great monuments. Since many of the original works have become damaged or lost, the collection has become invaluable and highly significant in its own right. On a visit to the courts I photographed features to study. 



My Work
The pieces displayed in the court were reminiscent of my own concept, that it is vital to preserve history in more than one format. I believe that casting should play a key role in preserving the history of our civilisation. My own work similarly consists of casts taken from original architectural features, many of which are of historical significance. 

Testing time with 'Fusion Glass'
Working with Fusion Glass in London, I was able to expand my knowledge of kiln forming techniques and experiment with new indirect casting methods. I also experimented with sand carving techniques


New Designers 2013


New Designers 2013

Manchester School of Art

Stand Number CAA36





New Designers is the exhibition for emerging design, showcasing over 3,500 talented new selected graduates. The work I exhibited aimed to reflect  my concept of encapsulating the history of a place through glass. The wall mounted piece is a direct open casting taken from The Corn Exchange in Manchester. The bowls were created to highlight the transition from old to new at the Manchester school of art. 

'A glance through time' - The Corn Exchange - Manchester



- The Corn Exchange - 
Manchester

'A glance through time'

The Manchester Corn Exchange has a long and fascinating history as the centre of trade in Manchester. Before it was built the area of Hanging Ditch was famous for its markets. The Corn exchange was built to facilitate these and became a new centre of commerce. Over time the need for such an exchange faded and the building stood empty. A new type of market soon began to grow in the building with people holding small stands selling vintage goods, records and crafts. The IRA bombings, however, put a stop to it when the glass dome roof collapsed in. The building was later taken over and restored and its inside turned into a modern shopping precinct. 

Taking a direct casting of the corn 
exchange exterior stone work.

Carved plaster mould taken from the casting. 

Casting memories of The corn exchange.




'A Glance Through Time'