The Making of Sculpture: The Materials and Techniques of European Sculpture

About this book

This is a historical and technical guide to the materials and techniques of European sculpture based on the collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Casting carving and modelling practices are explored within a historical perspective from medieval times onwards. Edited by Marjorie Trusted and with a foreword by Paul Williamson the book contains a series of chapters by specialist staff at the V&A. Chapter 1 (by Norbert Jopek) looks at working practices of sculptors Chapter 2 (by Alexandra Corney) looks at wax Chapter 3 (by Wendy Fisher) at terracotta Chapter 4 (by Fisher Melissa Hamnett and Peta Motture) at bronze and lead Chapter 5 (by Lucy Cullen Fisher Hamnett and Trusted) at medals and plaquettes Chapter 6 (by Trusted) at marble and stone Chapter 7 (by Fergus Cannan) at alabaster Chapter 8 (by Jopek and Trusted) at ivory and bone Chapter 9 (by Jopek and Sofia Marques) at wood Chapter 10 (by Cullen Jopek and Trusted) at semi-precious materials Chapter 11 (by Diane Bilbey and Ruth Cribb) at plaster models plaster casts electrotypes and fictile ivories while the final chapter by Jopek examines the subject of fakes. Beautiful colour photography highlights the collections and illustrates contemporary workshop practices. This is an essential guide for anyone with an interest in sculpture.