“The municipality of Montbron helped us find a sufficiently large premises because it is an activity that requires a lot of space. »
“We had targeted this geographical area where there is no foundry because I have family near Royan while Marie is originally from Dax. The next day, we had a response from the municipality of Montbron which helped us find a sufficiently large premises because it is an activity which requires a lot of space,” says Marie de Rivoyre.
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Now fitted out, their workshop has just received a second-hand furnace which still needs to be connected to gas to allow the bronze to be melted at more than 1100°C. “It is not very big and will not allow us to produce works weighing more than 30 kilos but it is more than enough to get started,” estimate the two founders who have particularly unique backgrounds.
Jacks of all trades
“I obtained a diploma in crafts with a carving option at the Boulle school in Paris,” reveals the oldest. “And me, a professional certificate in stone cutting,” says the youngest, even if they know how to do everything. It must be said that art foundry using the lost wax technique requires several long steps before an artist’s model is transformed into bronze.
“We must first mold the original model in elastomer silicone then apply hot wax to obtain a two-part mold which we close. Then we create a casting shaft which will be used to convey the molten bronze to the imprint of the part which is made of refractory plaster. The mold is then fired and then filled with molten bronze. Then comes the stripping stage which consists of breaking the plaster and cutting the entire casting network with a grinder. All that’s left to do is finish and patinate the bronze,” explain the two casters who will work for both artists and individuals.
Decorative objects, sculptures or hardware, they are now ready to take on all challenges and roll up their sleeves to offer unique know-how in Charente.
“M2 Fonderie d’art” at 28 ter rue de Limoges in Montbron. Contact: 09.86.59.27.62 or [email protected]
