The Story behind
the sculpture.
In the UK, it is estimated that around 60% of students are not naturally suited to the traditional style of education that is provided in mainstream schooling. The age-old model of sitting quietly in rows, listening to a teacher until the bell rings, is a remnant of the industrial revolution—a time designed to prepare individuals primarily for factory work.
While some of these students can adapt to this rigid approach, many find themselves struggling. At best, they underachieve; at worst, they become disillusioned, opting to disengage from the classroom entirely, often resorting to truancy just to escape the confines of a system that feels alien to them.
The repercussions of this disconnect extend far beyond the classroom. Feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and a lack of confidence can haunt these individuals well into adulthood, affecting their careers and personal lives. All of this because an education system failed to accommodate diverse learning styles and needs.
Recognizing the struggles faced by a particular group of students at The Icknield Community College led to the development of the Alternative Provisions Program (APP). This initiative offers students the chance to spend part of their classroom time in local workplaces, where they can engage in practical learning suited to their strengths. Here, vital skills are taught, real-world work experience is gained, and, most importantly, opportunities for success open up, helping to dispel feelings of inadequacy.
I have had first hand experience of this program and have witnessed the benefits that it has brought to those involved. I have been hugely impressed and encouraged by the team at the Ickneild college and I want this sculpture to be a celebration of their achievements in providing these imaginative, alternative learning opportunities.
This sculpture embodies the spirit of these young people, full of potential just waiting for us to offer them an opportunity to develop skills in an environment more suited to their needs.
I am very grateful to the Parish council in Watlington for commissioning this piece of art. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those in the community who have generously supported the making of this sculpture as patrons.
Patrons,
Claire & Simon Hale
Rita Donagh
Marian Greenway
Louise Anderssen-Mathews
Colin & Delia Bolden
Brian Cole
Special thanks to,
Claire Foot
Jake Foot
Sam Foot
Charlie Foot
Beth Horton
Henry Clifton
The Making of the sculpture
It is essential to begin with a strong metal armature which supports the weight of the clay and gives the sculpture its stability.
Our armature was designed with detachable joints so that we could remove the legs and wings to simplify the moulding and casting stage.
Wire and mesh is then attached to the armature and the clay is slowly built up around this to form the beginning of the sculpture.
I am using an oil based clay which can be warmed to allow for easier application. This clay holds its shape and detail without drying out over time.
Layer by layer the sculpture takes shape with clay being added or carved away to create the smallest details and try to capture the feeling of movement and energy.
Finally, after countless hours of work fueled by endless cups of tea and words of encouragement from friends and family.
With an inspiring soundtrack provided by
The Foo Fighters,
Paul Weller,
Nina Simone and Tom Waits to name just a few.
The sculpting stage is complete and work is ready to hand over to the foundry team for the transformation into bronze.
It has been both exhausting and rewarding.
Huge thanks is owed to Lockbund Foundry In Cropredy.
Here a group of skilled proffesionals have taken my original clay sculpture and transformed it into timeless bronze. Using a process known as the lost wax process.
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A silicone mould of the original work is made and strengthened with an outer fiberglass jacket.
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Hot wax is then painted and poured into this mould producing a cast identical to the original between 5-8mm thick. Wax runners are added which will become, once melted, the channels in which the bronze will flow into the final mould.
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This wax is then dipped alternately into ceramic slip and silica sand building up a strong ceramic coating, layer by layer over many days.
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This is then placed in a burnout kiln where the temperature reaches between 800-900 degrees C. This liquifies the wax which runs away (hence the lost wax method) and it it cures the ceramic making a heatproof shell containing the perfect negative form of the original sculpture.
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With the ceramic shell still at a high temperature molten bronze at 1100 degrees C is poured inside filling the mould.
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After cooling the ceramic shell is smashed off and the bronze cleaned up. Any joints are welded and seams are worked over to match the texture of the original in a process known as 'chasing'.
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Finally the rich colour of the bronze is enhanced with patination. Select chemicals are applied to the heated metal enhancing the tones and the textures.
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A final application of wax leaves the surface protected and the sculpture will last for generations.
Here are a few of the Lockbund team that worked at some stage on the Aspire sculpture.
Ben Hilton Adam Isham
Jo Allison Harry Marshall
Geof Jeal Jay Heath
Jasmin Jordan. Alfie Cottingham Mayall
James McFarlane
At times, whilst we recognise that education is vital for a young person's development, some students are unable to access full-time mainstream education.
Understanding this and meeting a child’s need is challenging but with the support of some of our local community we have managed to achieve this for a very small group of students.
Nick has been inspirational in supporting one student and has guided, nurtured, empathised and given a substantial amount of his time in supporting them to achieve fantastic things outside of the classroom.
Supporting them in learning with their hands, learning critical thinking skills, developing key skills linked to time management and personal development.
Life skills have been learnt that will enhance their onward journey, post-secondary education and support their footsteps into their chosen career.
Nick has been enamoured with our approach and has used this to support his fantastic “Aspire” art sculpture project to which we have leant our logo. Nick has collaborated with the family of our student who have supported this venture.
We think the sculpture beautifully depicts a young person, finding their wings and soaring into their future.
We are immeasurably grateful for Nicks support, encouragement and time.
Helen Richardson.