Image of the portrait for the Miner and Pony Sculpture
The ceramic shell is a crucial stage in the casting process. The original sculpture has been moulded into severe pieces and from the mould wax copies of each section are recreated. This wax is removed from the mould and each wax is then dipped and coated in ceramic shell - which in essence is a form of plaster which can withstand high temperatures.

After this point the wax is melted or 'burnt out' leaving a 8mm cavity in the ceramic shell into which the molten bronze is poured.