Weathervane for St Mary’s Church

We were approached by Litton Cheney Parish council in August regarding the restoration of a weathervane of a cockerel for the tower of St Mary’s Church. The church dates from the 14th century and the original weathervane was installed in the early 20th century. The original weathervane was made of gilded oak and installed between […]

Sustainable oil furnace at ASU, Phoenix, Arizona

Coles Castings recently sent Stephen to Arizona State University Sculpture Department in Phoenix, USA. We were commissioned to convert one of the university’s gas furnaces to run on soybean oil.   The aim of the project was to equip the foundry at ASU with the means to cast iron in a crucible furnace, in a […]

Clayesmore Bronze Casting Workshop

Coles Castings recently taught a 3-day bronze casting class for pupils and staff at Clayesmore School in Iwerne Minster, Dorset.  30 pupils from year 10 and 12 along with 6 art, design and technology staff created individual sculptures to cast in bronze.  Stephen demonstrated wax working techniques and the lost wax process.  Students and staff […]

Oak Fair at Stock Gaylard

Coles Castings is running a casting demonstration at the Oak Fair at Stock Gaylard 26th and 27th of August.

The Oak Fair is a celebration of the countryside, conservation, woodland, timber, traditional craft, rural history and Dorset. Stephen and Necole will be on hand to demonstrate traditional green sand moulding techniques and casting aluminium toppers for local artisan blacksmiths at Six Penny Forge. We will also be casting some heritage ‘polo’ roundels as part of the larger Dorset Fingerpost Project restoration work ongoing around the county. For more information about these projects see:

https://www.colescastings.com/the-dorset-fingerpost-project/

https://www.dorsetaonb.org.uk/project/dorset-fingerpost-project/

or just stop by our display. We will be on hand to answer any questions and take orders for any letters, roundels or arms you may need for your village or parish.

We will also have on display a selection of some larger artworks designed and cast by us for your viewing pleasure. We look forward to seeing you there!

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