A pair of handsome bird dogs stand ready-to-retrieve in this pair of American bronze-clad bookends, made in the 1920’s. Though once considered a “poor man’s bronze,” today, this type of work is quite collectible. First, the figure was cast in a “composite” material—a combination of plaster, resin, and other binders. Then the piece was electroplated with bronze and patinated like any other bronze would be. Because of its light weight and the reduced bronze content, a handsome (and useful) decorative item could be produced economically. Interestingly, many of the companies that produced bronze-clad wares were Italian-owned. Thus, they had access to talented sculptors—many brought from Italy—to sculpt the original form before it went into production.
Please come into the shop to see them or click on the photo above to learn more about them.
From the 5th to 23rd of December, LEO Design will be open daily from Noon ’til 10:00 pm.
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