Iron has a unique and inherent power as one of the oldest elements in the universe; created by nuclear fusion inside first-generation stars about 15 billion years ago. Meteoric iron was first discovered on earth around 1000 BC, well before it was known that the same material was at the core of our planet itself. In addition, iron has an extensive history full of both ritual ceremony and industrial innovation.

Growing out of this rich tradition, contemporary artists have adopted cast iron as a sculptural material, and over the past fifty years have been exploring its wide variety of attributes. Some respond to the process of casting iron: its primal, ceremonial choreography, and the performative potential that resides in the tools and techniques that produce liquid metal. Others draw inspiration from the tough, industrial reputation built into the history of the cold, weighty, strong material. Iron can be respected as a living, breathing substance that is transformed through fire; and can be appreciated both aesthetically and conceptually as a mundane everyday material used for manhole covers, radiators, bathtubs, and bridges.

Iron casting emerged in the art world in the early 1960’s, inaugurated by Julius Schmidt while teaching at Cranbrook Academy of Arts in Detroit, MI. Intrigued by the unique properties of the material, he began bringing his molds to local industrial iron foundries to be cast. Through that cooperation with industry, he figured out how to build and operate a scaled-down furnace suitable for the needs of a sculptor. Dubbed “The Grandfather of Iron”, Schmidt disseminated this passion and knowledge to his students, assistants, and colleagues who have gone on to teach and share information with subsequent generations. The practice of iron casting now thrives in academia, and is supported through various regional and international conferences. Additionally, iron as a sculptural material has legitimized itself in the contemporary art world, used by sculptors such as Beverly Pepper, Anthony Gormley, Kiki Smith, etc.

Starting in 2009, New England Sculpture Service is proud to offer cast iron as a service for our clients, providing an alternative material for which there is growing interest and appreciation. Our manager of operations, Marjee Levine, is an internationally regarded expert in the field, having studied, lectured, and poured iron at various conferences and institutions worldwide. Most recently, she has participated in the Western Cast Iron Art Conference held in Denver, CO, as well as the 5th International Conference on Contemporary Cast Iron Art held at the world heritage site of Ironbridge and Coalbrookdale, Shropshire, England, and is currently working with Massachusetts College of Art to advance their iron casting program. Her expertise complements our established foundry knowledge with the specialized techniques iron casting requires.

While the iron casting process shares many commonalities with bronze casting, there are several key differences. Instead of buying ingot, we melt down scrap iron radiators, bath tubs, engine blocks, etc. and recycle them into art. Iron can be cast into ceramic shell using the lost wax process, however it is also conducive to pouring into sand molds. Because of this, we now have the capacity to make resin-bonded sand molds for patterns and projects that are applicable. The definitive distinction between iron and bronze casting is the type of furnace required to melt iron. The cupola furnace uses coke and forced air, generating enough heat to melt iron (roughly 3000 degrees Fahrenheit), and runs extremely fast producing almost 1000 pounds/hour. Despite these distinctions, the quality of an iron casting and level of detail achieved on the surface is equivalent to bronze.

While iron is poured every day in industry, it is highly uncommon to be provided that service as artists. Commercial iron foundries are not equipped as we are to cater to the needs of the sculptor; while knowing and understanding the specialized concerns of our clients has always been at the core of our business. We encourage both our current and potential customers to take advantage of this unique opportunity at New England Sculpture Service. We will pour iron at least once a year (possibly more, based on demand), where we accumulate materials, projects, and molds and have one big iron extravaganza.

There are some restrictions on form and feasibility due to the nature of the material, so please make sure to check all patterns and ideas with us first. And as always, please feel free to call or email with any questions.

We look forward to seeing you at our next iron pour event!