Which Bronze Animal Sculptures Are Better For Your Place?
Bronze animal sculptures bring personality, beauty and a touch of nature into your home or garden. Whether a great piece will become a focal point in a room depends largely on the correct choice of size and position. A great piece of the wrong size is just as unsuitable as a great piece that has been incorrectly placed. In this article we will discuss the correct choice of size and position for your chosen bronze animal sculpture.
Understanding scale and proportion
The golden rule of sculpture positioning has always been that it should be in proportion.
Small items can get lost in large rooms, whereas large items can overwhelm small rooms. Viewing the layout of the room and the furniture already in place will help you decide on the most suitable bronze animal sculpture. Large bronze animal sculptures are suitable for large rooms, such as halls, entrances and open-plan living areas. Smaller bronze animal sculptures fit onto fireplace mantelpieces, sideboards and low shelving.
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Large bronze sculptures make a statement
Large bronze animals make a big impact and can be used to centre a room. For example, a life-size bronze horse in a hallway or a large soaring bronze bird on a lawn can make a dramatic first impression and set the tone for the rest of the room or garden.
Outdoor spaces like gardens, patios, and courtyards are an ideal destination for a large sculpture meant to be viewed from multiple vantage points.
Large items require more consideration than smaller ones: more space for display, more expensive, heavy to move, possibly even needing the help of professionals for setting up. Outdoors, large items have to stand on a firm, level surface. If necessary, they have to be fixed down securely to prevent them toppling over. This protects not only against damage, but also against thieves: bronzes are highly prized by burglars.
Small bronze sculptures: subtle elegance
A small bronze animal does not have to dominate a room. It can sit quietly on a bookshelf, on a desk or on a console table and still add character. Small pieces can also be used to set up displays. Two or three pieces can be arranged to tell a story. A number of similar pieces can be arranged in a row to give the impression of order and rhythm.
As sculptures for small spaces, they suit flats and smaller homes. There is also the benefit that they cost less, are easy to move and can be added to a growing collection over time. In the office they provide personality without becoming a distraction. As a gift they are something to keep for a long time.
Choosing the right size
| Size | Best places | Things to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Small tabletop | Shelves, desks, mantelpieces | Group pieces for impact |
| Medium | Sideboards, plinths, patios | Needs a stable surface at a good viewing height |
| Large or life-size | Entrances, large rooms, gardens | Weight, base, fixing, cost and delivery |
Caring for bronze
Bronze is a very durable material and has been used for thousands of years for sculpture. Indoors the bronze only needs a light dusting and occasional coating of suitable wax. Outdoors the bronze will naturally develop a patina which can change in colour over time to produce shades of green and brown. The bronze can be protected and kept in its original finish by regular coating with wax and avoiding use of harsh cleaners which can attack the surface of the bronze.
Frequently asked questions
Can bronze sculptures be left outside all year?
Yes. The British weather is no problem for bronze. It is used for many outdoor sculptures, and will change colour to form a patina over time. Make sure the piece is mounted on a solid base, check the fixings from time to time and then rub down with wax once or twice a year to slow the change in colour.
How do I know a bronze is genuine?
If buying from a reputable artist, gallery or foundry, ask how the item was made. Bronzes are typically produced by the lost-wax process and are heavy for their size. Many genuine bronzes are produced as part of a numbered limited edition, and are signed by the artist. Cheaper resin pieces with a bronze-effect finish are much lighter than they look.
Where to go next
For more ideas on metal in the garden, read how metal finishes are used with garden furniture.
