Whether you are considering an available sculpture, visiting the studio or commissioning something specifically for a home,
garden, business or public space, these are some of the questions I am most often asked.
If your question isn't covered here, please feel free to get in touch.
Can I visit your studio?
Yes. Studio visits are welcome by appointment at my Lincolnshire studio.
A visit is a good opportunity to see available sculpture, view work at different stages of fabrication, discuss materials and finishes, or talk through ideas for a commission.
Do you have sculpture available to buy?
Yes. Alongside commissioned work, I regularly create individual sculptures and smaller collections for sale.
Current available sculptures can be viewed in the Available Work section. Although studio visits are also welcome if you would prefer to see work in person.
Can I buy directly from you?
Yes. Most available work and commissions can be purchased directly from the studio.
Buying directly also means I can advise on scale, positioning, display, installation and ongoing care where required.
How much does a sculpture cost?
Prices for available work are shown on the website.
Bespoke commissions vary considerably depending on scale, materials, complexity and installation. As a guide, commissions currently begin at around £5,000, with substantial private, garden and commercial projects commonly falling within the £15,000–£50,000+ range. Major architectural and public artworks can be considerably more.
A clear quotation is provided before work begins.
Do you create bespoke commissions?
Yes. Commissioned sculpture forms a significant part of my practice.
I create work for private collectors, homes and gardens, businesses, hotels and hospitality environments, architects, interior and landscape designers, charities and public organisations.
Commissions can range from an individual sculpture to substantial wall-mounted, suspended or freestanding installations.
Do I need to have a finished idea?
No.
Some clients approach me with a very clear idea, while others simply have a space, theme, story or existing sculpture they are drawn to.
Part of my role is to develop those starting points into a piece that works artistically and responds properly to its setting.
How do I start a commission?
The easiest way is to get in touch with a brief description of the project.
Useful information includes:
where the sculpture will be located
approximate size or available space
intended budget
required timescale
any ideas, themes or existing pieces you particularly like
Photographs, architectural plans or measurements are also helpful, but aren't essential for an initial conversation.
How does the commission process work?
A typical commission begins with a discussion about the site, ideas, scale, budget and timescale.
I then develop the artistic direction using drawings, visualisations and, where appropriate, physical models. Once the design, materials and practical details are agreed, fabrication begins in my Lincolnshire studio.
For larger projects, installation, foundations, access, lifting requirements and structural considerations are planned as part of the process rather than being left until the end.
How long does a commission take?
This depends on the scale and complexity of the project.
Smaller commissions may take a matter of weeks, while substantial site-specific, architectural or public-art projects can require several months or longer.
Once the scope of the project is understood, I will provide a realistic programme before work begins.
Can one of your existing sculptures be adapted for my space?
Often, yes.
Existing ideas can frequently be developed at a different scale or adapted in composition, finish or material. Collections such as my fish and bird studies can also be developed into bespoke wall-mounted, suspended or freestanding installations.
Rather than simply enlarging an existing design, I consider the proportions and setting so that the finished sculpture works properly at its new scale.
Do you require a deposit?
Yes. Bespoke commissions require a deposit to secure studio time and cover initial design and material costs.
Payment stages for larger projects are agreed as part of the quotation.
Where VAT applies, it will be clearly shown so that the full project cost is transparent from the outset.
What materials do you work with?
I work primarily in stainless steel, particularly grade 316 stainless steel, alongside Corten steel, bronze, stone, copper, brass and other materials where appropriate.
The choice depends on the sculpture, its environment and the visual character we are trying to achieve.
Can your sculpture be displayed outdoors?
Yes. Much of my work is specifically created for gardens, landscapes and public spaces.
Stainless steel and Corten steel are particularly well suited to exterior sculpture. Fixings, weather exposure, ground conditions and long-term durability are considered during the design of outdoor work.
Is stainless steel suitable for coastal locations?
Yes, provided the correct grade and finish are used.
I predominantly work in grade 316 stainless steel, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and is particularly appropriate for demanding exterior environments. In coastal settings, occasional cleaning may still be recommended because salt deposits can build up on the surface.
Does outdoor sculpture require maintenance?
Generally, maintenance is straightforward.
Stainless steel may occasionally need cleaning to remove dust, pollen, rain marks or environmental deposits. Corten steel is deliberately designed to develop its characteristic rust-coloured patina and normally requires very little maintenance.
Care advice can be supplied with the sculpture where appropriate.
Can sculpture be delivered throughout the UK and internationally?
Yes.
Smaller sculpture can often be packaged and transported relatively simply, while larger work may require specialist transport, crating or lifting equipment.
International delivery can also be arranged depending on the dimensions, weight and destination. Alternatively, I can provide the information required if a client or art consultant prefers to organise shipping independently.
Do you provide installation?
Yes, installation can be arranged or coordinated where required.
For larger sculpture this may involve foundations, specialist fixings, lifting equipment or collaboration with builders, landscapers, engineers or site contractors.
Access and installation requirements are considered during the design stage so there are no unnecessary surprises when the sculpture reaches site.
Do you work with interior designers, architects and art consultants?
Yes.
I welcome collaboration with architects, interior designers, landscape designers, art consultants, developers and hospitality professionals.
Sculpture can be developed around architectural plans, sightlines, materials, lighting and the wider design language of a project, whether for an interior, landscaped environment, hotel, workplace or public space.
Do you undertake public art and community projects?
Yes. I have worked on public and community sculpture throughout my career for councils, schools, businesses, charities and other organisations.
Projects can include site-specific design, consultation, fabrication, installation and community engagement.
Where appropriate, workshops, drawings, stories or other contributions from local people can also become part of the finished artwork through engraving, etching, imagery or the overall design.
If you are considering a sculpture, have a particular space in mind or simply want to understand what might be possible, please get in touch.
You don't need to arrive with a finished idea. A conversation about the space, what you would like the sculpture to achieve and any practical requirements is usually the best place to start.
View Available Work | Explore Bespoke Commissions | Contact James