Monumental Bronze, Copper & Stainless Steel Sculpture
Bronze, copper and stainless steel
Approx. height: 3 m excluding plinth
Created: 2023–2024
Site-specific commission for a private business collection, Isle of Man
Similar monumental commissions: from approximately £150,000
Sacrifice is a monumental site-specific sculpture created for a private business on the Isle of Man, forming part of the client's growing collection of artworks and installations.
At the centre of the composition is a life-size bronze figure of Christ, suspended within a monumental circular structure of stainless steel and copper. The sculpture explores sacrifice, suffering and faith through a contemporary combination of figurative bronze and architectural metalwork.
The scale and simplicity of the circular form give the work a strong presence within the landscape, while the suspended figure creates a more intimate point of focus. Viewed from different positions, the relationship between the figure, circle, sky and surrounding environment continually changes.
A contemporary interpretation in bronze and metal
The figure was originally sculpted by hand in clay, allowing the posture, expression and relationship with the surrounding structure to develop before moulding and casting.
It was subsequently cast in bronze using the traditional lost-wax process, combining centuries-old sculptural techniques with contemporary stainless-steel fabrication.
The monumental outer structure was fabricated in my studio using grade 316 stainless steel, with specially rolled hoops and an engineered internal framework providing the strength required for a sculpture of this scale. The structure was then clad in individually fitted and riveted copper sheet.
The combination of materials is integral to the work. Bronze and copper bring warmth, depth and a surface that will continue to develop with age, while stainless steel provides the structural strength and precision required for the overall composition.
Sculpture created for a significant setting
At approximately three metres tall before its plinth, Sacrifice was designed to command a substantial landscape without overwhelming it.
Large-scale sculpture can give a commercial property, private estate or landscaped development a distinctive identity. It creates a focal point and a memorable sense of place, while providing clients with an artwork that has been developed specifically for its surroundings rather than selected as an afterthought.
For private collectors, a commission of this scale also offers the opportunity to create something deeply personal: an artwork informed by an idea, belief, experience or story and developed into a unique permanent piece.
From concept to installation
Projects of this scale require considerably more than the creation of the artwork itself.
Sacrifice involved the development of the original concept, clay modelling, structural fabrication, specialist bronze casting and patination, copper fabrication, trial assembly, bespoke packing and transportation to the Isle of Man. I then worked alongside the client's site team during the final assembly and installation.
This ability to take a project from an initial idea through to a completed installation is an important part of my commissioned work.
Bespoke monumental sculpture commissions
I work with private collectors, businesses, art consultants, architects, property developers and organisations to create significant site-specific sculpture for exceptional spaces.
Each project can be developed in response to the client, architecture and landscape. Materials, scale, composition and subject matter can all be explored as part of the commissioning process, from contemporary abstract work to large-scale figurative sculpture in bronze, stainless steel, copper and Corten steel.
Similar monumental commissions currently begin at approximately £150,000, with final costs determined by scale, materials, engineering, location and installation requirements.
To discuss a significant sculpture for a private collection, commercial property or landscape, please contact James Sutton Sculpture.