The Art of Creating Hand-Cast Pewter Figures: A Journey from Raw Material to Timeless Masterpiece

The Casting Process

Our journey begins with the casting process. This is where the transformation of raw pewter - a malleable metal alloy( made up of 92% tin, 6% bismuth & 2% copper) into intricate figures begins. The process starts with the design, created by our skilled artists, which is then turned into a mould.

The pewter is heated to approximately 300 degrees celsius, melting into a liquid state in a carefully controlled environment. This liquid pewter is then poured into the custom-made moulds, capturing every detail that has been crafted into the design. As the pewter cools, it solidifies, taking on the shape of the mould.

The Fettling Stage

Once the casting process is complete, the figures are carefully removed from their moulds. At this stage, there may be excess pewter, often termed "flashing," from the casting process. This is where fettling comes into play.

Fettling is a meticulous process of removing unwanted excess pewter. Our skilled artisans carefully fettle each figure by hand, ensuring no detail is lost in the process. This step requires a keen eye and steady hand, qualities that our craftsmen have honed over many years.

The Polishing Process

After fettling, the figures are polished in a rumbling machine. This specialized machine gently tumbles the figures with small abrasives and polishing compounds. The rumbling process eliminates any remaining impurities and further smoothens the surface of the pewter figures.

The result? A beautifully polished figure, shiny and smooth, yet still bearing the intricate details that make it unique. But our journey doesn't end here.

The Antiquing Process

The final stage of our pewter figure's creation is the antiquing process. This is where the figures truly come to life, gaining a sense of history and depth.

Our figures are highly antiqued, a process which involves applying a darkening solution to the pewter. This solution seeps into the figure's crevices and details, emphasising the design's depth and complexity. It creates an aged look, reminiscent of a well-loved artefact passed down through generations.

This antiquing process not only enhances the beauty of the figure but also highlights the skill and attention to detail that went into its creation. The contrast between the darker crevices and the polished surfaces really makes the figures stand out, resulting in a truly captivating piece of art.

In conclusion, the creation of our hand-cast pewter figures is a journey that involves a delicate balance of art, science, skill, and passion. They  will be a treasured addition to any collection. We invite you to explore our range of hand-cast pewter figures and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each piece.