beautifully bespoke copper weathervanes

 

opper Mining in the UK
Greens use only the finest quality .5mm (16 ounce) copper available in England.All work is brazed rather than lead soldered for strength.  Brass and bronze fittings are standard and only 23½K double thick English gold leaf is applied. No lacquers or fake patinas are used. A 3/4 inch solid bronze bearing is incorporated into the body of every weathervane. Stainless steel is provided and can be upgraded to marine-grade if requested.

 

Periodic symbol: Cu Atomic number: 29 Melting Point: 1083°C (1981.4°F)

Copper is prized for being non-corrosive, malleable, ductile, conductive, easy to gild, and antimicrobrial. The most common Alloys of copper are bronze and brass, and all three of these non-ferrous metals will gently patinate to the verde-gris finish prized as the "green of Greece."

 

 

 

THE STUDIO'S PROCESS

After in-depth client conference, all bespoke work from the studio starts as a sketch intended to draw consensus on the project parameters, the possible layout and the aesthetic of the chosen design.

At the paper stage, this is a collaborative moment to fine-tune detail and add elements of character. Once sizing, NESW font, and price are agreed, the finalized sketch is englarged to create a full-scale working-drawing.

Copper pieces are developed through pattern-making, either following anatomical lines, or designed to enhance sculptural fluidity & musculature or hide functional seams. Sometimes numbering over 100, these copper parts are first annealed to soften the metal and then free-hand formed on wooden blocks.

 

The process allows for careful and planned delineation of the form, leather-fine finish, and helps mitigate material expansion/contraction.

 

 

The studio's high-heat fusion techniques ( 2% silver phosphor-copper rods, silicon bronze brazing, and oxy-actylene torches) ultimately create not just the strength but the deep variegated patina of colour across the surface of the metal.

 

 

 

For robust functionality all structural parts are brass and the 3/4 inch bearing is cupped solid bronze. Copper balls are custom-spun to order & scroll work is hand-forged from round-stock brass or bronze.

 

Ornate detail and texture are achieved on wooden blocks or anvil, with either a "vocabulary" of repeated chiselled lines or repousse hammer-techniques & punches (raising, embossing and chasing).

 

 

Minute overlays of copper or bronze create moments of high precise detail, and cutting techniques allow for bold interior negative spaces through which light can pierce.

 

 

 

Most commissioned work takes four to six week from full-scale drawing to completion and all designs are signed and dated. Inscriptions are occasionally added at the client's request.

 

Gold leaf can be pre-planned or agreed at the final stage, usually extending the project schedule by 2-3 weeks. As well, hand-painted detail can create a beautiful offset to the gold's luminosity, however this should be discussed at the start of the project if it is part of lettering or plumage patterns.

 

As a final treatment, all designs are soaked & cleaned. A light coating of wax helps to deepen the copper's surface patina and highlights fine detail.

Brasses are acid-cleaned to a bright finish and the final piece then photographed in natural light.

 

 

...mounting requirements?
visit our installation page

 

 

A general timeline for the beginnings of a light green patina: 7-9 years in saline climates (i.e. near the coast) 5-8 years near heavy industry 10-14 years in urban areas 30 years or more in a clean environment

 

GREENS Weathervanesbeautifully bespoke copper weathervanes England since 1995