Sculptor Hazel Reeves – commissioned by the Gresley Society to create the statue of Sir Nigel Gresley – has been blogging about the design and build process. Here’s her latest post, which explains how her clay scale model (maquette) of the statue was replicated in bronze:

The clay maquette of Sir Nigel Gresley and the Mallard arrived safely in the Docklands at Bronze Age Sculpture Casting Foundry. Their team made the two moulds – one for the figure and one for the Mallard – and cast them in wax. Two weeks later I was presented with the wax version of the sculpture to check. There is always a need for me to do some minor tweaks at this stage. Additions are made in white wax. I use my wax tools to make other amendments. Time also to position the Mallard. One of the Bronze Age team are always nearby to provide advice or assistance – and a welcome cup of coffee.