Armed Forces Memorial

Life Size, Projects

by Ian Rank-Broadley

Staffordshire

ARMED FORCES MEMORIAL, STAFFORDSHIRE, by IAN RANK-BROADLEY

In 2006 we worked scaling up and casting the new Armed Forces Memorial, which honoured the servicemen and women who have died in action since WW2. It was one of the most prestigious and high profile commissions for years and was unveiled by the Queen herself. For over a year Ian worked in our Stroud studio. He commented, “Castle can be depended on to deliver, even when the the pressure to meet he deadline seems overwhelming. I am sure no other foundry could have cast the sculpture for the Armed Forces Memorial in time and to the required standard.”

We all went on a day out to the site with Ian to see the results of our efforts. It was one of those wonderful moments when all the hard work and effort has come together and we can proudly say “we did it”. An ex-serviceman who was visiting the site that day came to talk to us. He had lost comrades in conflict. With tears in his eyes he thanked us for our efforts. Honouring his friends truly connected our work to the outside world in a powerful way.

www.ianrank-broadley.co.uk

www.armedforcesmemorialsculpture.org

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Testimonials

What they say

“It felt a little like that moment when, coming out of lockdown isolation and being diagnosed with mouth cancer, I went to Castle Fine Arts with my Photoshop design for ‘The Fledgling’ sculpture and basically said, ‘I need to make this out of bronze but I won’t be able to help that much!’ The professionalism, support, collaboration and service that I received was second to none. What a fantastic team to work with! Without Castle Fine Arts, ‘The Fledgling’ would never have left the nest.”

“The column has been a recurring theme in David Nash’s work throughout his career but this is the first one he’s had fabricated in Corten steel. The 3m high sculpture is based on a small clay maquette that was initially cast in bronze before being scaled up and digitally modified by Castle Fine Arts, to create the Corten edition. The shaped facets that make up the column’s surfaces are enhanced by the steel’s warm, natural tones and combined with its scale, make Balance Column a very striking work. The first of the edition has been bought by a Collector in the West Indies.”

“The making of the memorial sculpture to Diana, Princess of Wales was long and demanding. It was important for me, as the sculptor, to know I had the best technical support. The care and attention to detail that the team at Castle Fine Arts Foundry gave to the project, in the welding of armatures, moulding and casting of the various figures, was impressive. No sculptor in this modern and fast world can do everything themselves. The importance of a good team in creating sculpture is paramount, and Castle provided this in no small measure in this work. I am indebted to them for skilled contribution to this important work.”

“I am so proud of the Wallace & Gromit bronze statue that sits boldly in Preston Market. The team at Castle Fine Arts have been a dream to work with and have the same care and sensibility that we have with our puppets at Aardman, the interpretation from our small sculpt to larger than life is incredible. I had no idea that it would look so good and love taking people to visit them.”

“Thank you to Castle Fine Arts Foundry for spending hours and hours to make our vision a reality. From 3D scanning, to foam cutting, wax melting, bronze pouring, and patina and painting. Their workshop has been my second home for the last few months!”