Vanguard Sculpture Services is a full service company that also offers
some services
a` la carte. If you do a lot of your own work select just the services
you need from the list below to compliment your work flow. We are
happy to provide just what you need.
ORIGINAL ART AND DESIGN - Vanguard provides a variety of design services
for original art, public and site specific installations.
ENLARGING
- Vanguard does digital enlarging from artists models. By scanning
a small model,
also known as a maquette, to
create a digital file, then using that file to drive a CNC router, we
are able to carve any size enlargement in a foam block. This
captures the proportion and some of the detail and transfers it to the
enlargement. Clay is then applied to the surface of the
enlargement and all of the original detail is restored.
BASING
- Vanguard can assist in the all important presentation of your sculpture
by helping you design mounts or bases to enhance the look of your work.
We provide wood, stone, fabricated and cast bases with custom mounting systems
for interior and exterior installations.
MOLDS - A
well designed mold sets the stage for the entire process, a good mold leads
to a good wax which in turn produces good metal. We use a variety
of flexible and ridged mold systems. Urethane for high fidelity complex
shorter runs, silicone for long storage life and excellent fidelity, latex
or urethane for concrete. Traditional plaster piece molds for museum
display or demonstration.
WAX CASTING - Your sculpture's surface integrity is of the highest priority.
Vanguard uses clean, top of the line microcrystalline casting waxes that
have exceptional reproduction qualities. Our wax chasers strive to
perfectly reproduce your original surface. We request artist approval
of all waxes.
INVESTMENT - Each unique casting situation requires a different process.
We offer 2-part ceramic shell for museum quality castings and sand for simple
flat patterns. Sand casting or other alloys are done in our associate
foundry. Ask us which is best for your work.
FOUNDRY
- We cast exclusively in the highest quality Silicon Bronze resulting in
strong easily maintained castings with beautiful uniform patinas.
Not all foundries use the same high quality metal which can result in brittle
or porous castings.
METAL FINISHING - Welding, texturing and polishing give a sculpture
the finished look you desire. Vanguard precisely duplicates the finish
you specify or recreates that of your original piece.
PATINA
- Beautiful patinas to order. Tell us, show us or stand next to us
and give direction, we get it right every time.
FABRICATION - Vanguard fabricators build your designs to exacting specifications
using your choice of materials.
ARCHITECTURAL AND ANTIQUE HARDWARE - We cast copies of your original
antique hardware or your new designs.
RESTORATION AND REPAIR - All Vanguard Sculpture Services, Ltd employees
are sculptors trained in multiple mediums, allowing us to perform a diverse
range of restoration and repair services. Vanguard provides the appropriate
service regardless of sculptural material. Vanguard welds, paints,
cleans, patinas, replaces damaged or missing components and can meet
most sculptural needs. You will get the best possible result from Vanguard's
highly trained and dedicated personnel. We collaborate with an appropriate
conservator for historic restorations.
UNIQUE AND UNUSUAL REQUESTS - We specialize in solving difficult and unusual
problems. If you have one, bring it to us, we love a challenge.
CRATING AND SHIPPING - Vanguard crates and ships worldwide using your
preferred shipping method.
INSTALLATION - Vanguard provides full service installation, including
delivery, secure placement, templates and site supervision.
COLLEGE COURSE FOUNDRY EXPERIENCE - A foundry experience designed to
the course requirements of your college level art students.
