How Does Commissioning a Sculpture Work?

One of the questions I'm asked most often is, "How does commissioning a sculpture actually work?"

The simple answer is that it starts with a conversation.

Most people who get in touch don't arrive with a detailed drawing or a fully formed idea. More often, they have a space they'd like to fill, a gift they'd like to commission, or they've seen one of my sculptures and are wondering if I could create something similar.

That's absolutely fine. In fact, it's often the best way to start.

Working from my workshop in Andover, Hampshire, I create sculptures for clients across the UK. I've found that every commission develops differently. No two clients are the same, and no two sculptures are the same either. That's one of the things I enjoy most about creating bespoke work.

While I'm best known for kinetic sculpture, I also create static pieces, so whichever direction your idea takes, this should give you a good sense of how the commissioning process works.

The First Conversation

Our first conversation is simply about getting to know the project.

We'll talk about where the sculpture will live. Is it indoors or outdoors? Is it for a garden, a business, a public space or a private collection? Would you like a kinetic sculpture that moves with the wind, or something stationary?

We might also discuss the size, materials and the type of finish you'd prefer, whether that's a mirror polish, a patterned finish or something else that suits both the sculpture and its surroundings.

Sometimes we'll talk about budget, but just as often we'll spend most of the conversation discussing the feeling you'd like the sculpture to create.

You certainly don't need all the answers before getting in touch. Part of my job is helping to develop those ideas into something that works well both visually and practically.

Developing the Design

Once we've talked things through, I'll begin developing some ideas.

That might start with sketches or simple drawings, which we can discuss together. Sometimes the first idea is the right one, but more often the design changes as we talk things through and explore different possibilities. It's all part of the process.

This is one of my favourite parts of a commission because it's where ideas really start to come together. Clients often suggest something that takes the sculpture in a direction neither of us expected, and that's often when the most interesting designs emerge.

Choosing the Right Materials

I predominantly work in stainless steel. Although it's one of the more challenging materials to work with, it's incredibly durable, reflects light beautifully and is particularly well suited to kinetic sculpture. It also stands up exceptionally well to the British weather.

That said, stainless steel isn't always the right choice.

I've also worked with mild steel, Corten steel, aluminium, copper, brass and glass, and I'm always interested in exploring new materials where they suit the design. Sometimes a combination of materials creates exactly the effect a project needs.

If you have something different in mind, I'm always happy to discuss it.

Making the Sculpture

Once the design has been agreed, the sculpture moves from paper into the workshop.

This is where everything starts to come together. Components are cut, fabricated, assembled, adjusted and refined until everything works as it should. With kinetic sculptures, movement is every bit as important as appearance, so I spend a great deal of time making sure the finished piece moves smoothly and naturally.

I still enjoy that stage where the sculpture begins to take shape. Up until then it's only existed as drawings and ideas. Seeing it come together in metal is one of the most satisfying parts of the whole process.

What About Cost?

Every commission is different, so there isn't a standard price.

The final cost depends on factors such as size, materials, complexity and installation. Once we've discussed your ideas, I'll provide a clear quotation so you know exactly what's involved before any work begins.

To secure a commission, I normally ask for a 25% deposit before work starts, with the balance payable on completion.

How Long Does It Take?

This is another question I'm often asked, and the honest answer is that it depends on the sculpture.

A commission based on one of my existing designs can often be completed in around four to eight weeks, although this depends on the materials required and what other work I have on at the time.

A completely new design may take longer, particularly if we're developing something from scratch.

Once we've discussed your ideas, I'll be able to give you a realistic timescale and keep you updated as the work progresses.

A Sculpture Made for Its Space

One of the things I like most about commissioned work is that the finished sculpture is made specifically for the place where it will live.

Sometimes a client likes one of my existing sculptures but would prefer it to be larger, smaller or made from a different material. Other times, the commission develops into something completely new.

Either approach is equally enjoyable because the aim is always the same—to create a sculpture that feels right for both its location and the person commissioning it.

Whether it's a private garden, a business, or a public space, I enjoy the challenge of creating something unique that people will hopefully enjoy for many years to come.

Let's Have a Chat

If you've been thinking about commissioning a sculpture but aren't quite sure where to begin, don't worry about having everything worked out.

Whether you have a detailed brief or just the beginnings of an idea, I'm always happy to have a chat and see where it leads.

Although I'm based in Andover, Hampshire, I regularly work with clients across the UK, so wherever you're based, please feel free to get in touch.

After all, every sculpture starts with a conversation.