How much does a custom bronze sculpture cost in the UK?

Commissioning a custom bronze sculpture in the UK is both an artistic investment and a deeply personal experience. Prices can vary widely depending on the artist, size, and complexity of form. For collectors and buyers exploring contemporary figurative sculpture, this guide will provide a clear, useful benchmark for understanding costs.

In general, custom bronze sculptures in the UK can range from a few thousand pounds to well over £25,000. My work reflects this spectrum, offering both bronze resin and solid bronze options to suit different budgets and preferences. Bronze resin sculptures typically range from approximately £1,650 to £3,950, making them a more accessible entry point for collectors. In contrast, solid bronze pieces are significantly more expensive, typically costing up to three times as much.

For example, one of my larger works, ‘Racer Man 2’ (90 x 40 x 55 cm), is priced at £3,950 in bronze resin, while the solid bronze version is £12,800. Similarly, ‘Standing Together’ (58 x 30 x 19 cm) is available at £2,850 in resin and £11,500 in bronze. These examples clearly illustrate the substantial price difference driven primarily by material and casting processes.

Larger or more complex compositions command higher prices. A piece like ‘Family Group’ ranges between £9,800 and £26,000 depending on whether it is produced in bronze-resin ( also named “cold bronze”) or bronze. Smaller resin works, such as ‘Concerned’ (£1,650) offer a more affordable option while still maintaining my distinctive style and craftsmanship.

Several key factors can influence the cost of a custom bronze sculpture:

Material

Bronze resin still contains 5/6th ( in weight)  “real” bronze, though in powder rather than solid form; it is held together as it is mixed with liquid resin. In “real|” bronze, it is the heat that melts the bronze into the desired shape of the sculpture.  Bronze resin appears like bronze, but the sculpture is lighter, and when falling onto hard ground can break or scratch.The colours of its patinations are fewer, and when not polished can appear dull or grey; its surface does not appear as rich and beautiful as a “real” bronze. It is much cheaper to produce because the labour process is so much simpler, shorter and faster –  less because of lower material costs.

 Solid bronze, on the other hand,  is made  from raw ingots, solid, block-like bars of bronze,  to be melted down at the great of 850-1050 C degrees.   It involves traditional foundry casting methods, making it more durable, prestigious, and costly.

Size and Complexity

Larger sculptures require more material and labour. Intricate designs or multiple figures also increase production time and cost.

Casting Process

Solid bronze sculptures are typically cast in a foundry using techniques such as lost-wax casting. This process is labour-intensive and contributes significantly to the final price. Please see my other blog “How are bronze sculptures made”  on the many working steps involved in creating a bronze sculpture.

Commission Requirements

Custom commissions often require a 50 per cent deposit upfront and involve a lead time of at least 12 weeks.  The deposit covers my foundry cost ; or my time spent creating a new sculpture. The 12 week lead time is often taken up by the foundry, and reflects the bespoke nature of the work, from initial concept to casting.

Commissions can be made for new work, discussed in conjunction with the customer, her particular vision and the purpose and location of the sculpture.

Or a sculpture can be commissioned, based on an existing sculpture but considerably enlarged and re-sculpted. An example would be “Small Embrace” being resized and sculpted as “Big Hug”.

Or commissions can be for my existing work to be cast in bronze, rather than immediately being supplied in bronze resin (which is always available). 

Edition Size

Limited editions tend to be more valuable than open editions, as scarcity increases desirability among collectors. In practical terms, a limited edition sculpture is produced in a fixed number – often between 5 and 25 casts – after which the mould is retired or destroyed. 

Ultimately, the price of a custom bronze sculpture is not just about the object itself but also about the creative vision, technical skill, and time required to bring it to life.

If you are interested in purchasing a custom bronze sculpture, please have a look at my work. Alternatively, you can learn more about how my sculptures are made. I offer a bespoke service, which I’d be happy to discuss with you. If this is something you’re interested in, please get in touch.