A Journey Through the Exquisite Bronze Sculptures of Richard Cooper
In a world where homes are often curated with mass-produced decor, a certain soulfulness can be lost in the uniformity. The ease of accessibility and versatility of these pieces are undeniable, yet, they often can't replicate the captivating allure, meticulous craftsmanship, and devoted attention to detail of a handmade masterpiece. Small bronze sculptures, in particular, stand as a testament to the transformative power of artists, elevating spaces from mere rooms to reflections of one's character.
Experience the charm and elegance of the natural world with the intricate and elegant Richard Cooper sculptures. They feature animals and plant motifs and bring an enchanting touch to any collection or display. Each sculpture reflects intricate craftsmanship, capturing fine details - from the delicate curves of a leaf to the textures of an animal's fur.
These pieces are crafted with precision. They portray moments from nature with a lifelike quality that makes them feel almost alive. The compact size doesn’t diminish their impact, but instead, it enhances their delicacy and adds a layer of sophistication to any setting. For collectors, these statues are treasured additions that highlight a deep appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. Whether it’s a fox mid-stride, an owl in the silent watch, or a delicate wildflower, each piece offers something unique.
The Early Years
Richard Cooper’s journey into bronze artistry began with his passion for lifelike wildlife and collectible sculptures. Initially, he founded Country Artists Ltd, where he crafted pieces in resin to capture animals, birds, and diverse wildlife from around the world. His eye for detail and dedication turned Country Artists into a well-regarded brand known for its intricate hand-painted resin sculptures.
In 2004, after selling Country Artists, Richard found himself drawn back to the world of sculpture. Instead of retiring, he launched a new venture with a shift from resin to bronze as his medium, creating what is now the Richard Cooper Company. This transition allowed him to capture even finer details and bring his work to life in a new way.
Today, his studio offers two main collections: the Studio Collection, using a unique cold-cast bronze technique, and the Foundry Collection, which is meticulously cast in real bronze. Through both collections, his work highlights nature’s beauty with a fresh focus on elegance and durability, appealing to collectors and art enthusiasts alike.
By maintaining high standards and authenticity, Richard Cooper Studio has become renowned for its distinctive bronze pieces that celebrate nature's diversity and allure. This commitment to quality and craftsmanship makes it a respected name in fine art collectibles.
Transition to Bronze Pieces
When the company decided to move from resin to bronze Richard Cooper sculptures, they shifted from smaller collectibles for gift shops to more expansive wildlife and figurative art pieces. Unlike the smaller designs in his previous work at Country Artists, Richard’s vision now embraced larger bronze sculptures with a fine art appeal, tailored more for art galleries than gift shops.
This transition coincided with a significant change in the retail landscape. Traditional gift shops were waning, replaced by lifestyle stores focused more on functional home décor than collectibles.
Recognizing an opportunity, Richard began producing smaller pieces that echoed the charm of his earlier works but with a refined elegance suitable for art galleries and high-end retailers. Bronze, with its neutral tones and lasting quality, became especially popular among jewellers who saw its versatility as an asset that complemented the colourful pieces in their collections.
This two-pronged approach opened doors in art and jewellery markets, creating an exciting new path for the company. With the arrival of Sophie Mackrell, a former Country Artists colleague, the company’s collection grew even more focused and structured, shaping the early days of this transformative journey.
The Butler and Peach Collection
The Butler and Peach collection at Richard Cooper emerged about twelve years ago when the team set out to push the boundaries of miniature sculpting. This was an intricate experiment in preserving precision and detail, even at very small scales. Michael Simpson, the in-house sculptor, took on this creative challenge with great enthusiasm. He worked tirelessly to maintain a high level of detail even as the pieces became smaller.
Every Richard Cooper sculpture from this line is exquisitely crafted with the same finesse as their larger pieces. The collection quickly gained popularity, proving that true artistry knows no bounds when it comes to scale, even though the price point was higher than initially expected due to the complexity of the work involved.
A surprising influence on the collection’s design was an episode of the Antiques Road Show, where a presenter discussed the Victorian practice of cold-painting bronze sculptures, a technique that had largely faded from contemporary art. Inspired by this, the team began to experiment with hand-painting the bronze after casting. This approach brought the sculptures to life in vivid, natural colours, creating a unique appeal that resonated deeply with collectors.
Alongside Butler and Peach, the company also ventured into new territory with a range of resin bronze miniatures featuring delicately hand-painted Richard Cooper bronze mice - beloved animals that have been popular subjects for collectors over the years. Michael Simpson captured the charm and liveliness of his subjects, winning over fans of these playful studies.
How Do You Maintain Bronze Sculptures?
Caring for bronze sculptures requires a gentle approach to keep them looking timeless. When freshly cast, this material has a naturally light brown colour - resembling milky coffee - that transforms the foundry. To give it the rich mahogany tone many admire, artisans use specialised techniques involving acids, heat, and multiple stages of colour treatment. This process is somewhat like a painter layering shades to achieve the desired effect, with each application bringing out depth and warmth in the bronze.
Once the piece reaches its signature finish, it’s coated with a layer of wax, which not only preserves the beautiful colour but also provides a protective barrier against handling. Though these pieces can be touched and gently polished, it’s best to handle them with care to avoid any scratches. Scratches can compromise the wax layer and expose the metal underneath, which can potentially affect the piece’s longevity.
For regular maintenance, dust your miniatures with a dry paintbrush. This won’t disrupt the wax finish. Over time, the piece will develop a richer patina, an enhanced lustre that naturally emerges as the wax subtly settles into the surface. With minimal intervention, a bronze sculpture will continue to mature, taking on even more character and depth through the years. Keep it in a stable environment without frequent humidity changes to prevent unnecessary tarnishing. This will allow its beauty to stand the test of time.