Studio Editions FAQs
What is the difference between casting silver and casting bronze?
Other than the precious metal involved, bronze and silver are fundamentally cast in the same way, using the ancient ‘lost wax process’. We use .925 silver, also known as sterling silver.
What is the lost wax casting process?
Lost wax casting is an ancient and intricate process that transforms a fragile wax model into enduring bronze. Each sculpture passes through many skilled hands: the wax is invested in a mold, melted away, and replaced with molten metal that captures every nuance of the original. The mold is destroyed in the process, meaning every casting is unique. Finally, craftsmen chase, refine, and patinate the surface, bringing depth, colour, and life to the bronze. It is a time-honoured method that demands artistry, precision, and patience — and is at the heart of why fine bronze sculpture is so rare and valuable.
Why are the silver sculptures hollow and not solid?
Casting silver sculptures hollow isn’t just about reducing weight and cost. Solid silver can shrink and crack as it cools, making large castings technically difficult and less stable. Hollow casting allows for even cooling, finer detail, and a stronger, more controlled structure. It also means the sculpture can be finished and patinated to the same high standard, while remaining practical to produce and handle.
What do you mean by “scaled-down”?
Each sculpture was created by Mark on a much larger scale, in plasticine or clay, in his studio. This enables Mark to create the fine details, the texture of the surface and all the fingerprints that come along with it.
Using specialist 3D scanning, we capture every contour and detail of the original in digital form. The sculpture is then carefully reduced in scale using advanced software, ensuring the character and proportions remain true. A new wax model is produced from this digital file, which is then cast in bronze or silver using the traditional lost wax process. This combination of modern technology and age-old craftsmanship allows us to create faithful, finely detailed miniatures of the originals.
How are the sculptures engraved?
Engraving is either hand written in the wax before it’s cast or it can take place later by being etched into the metal after it’s cast.
What is hallmarking and why is it necessary?
By law in the UK, any solid silver piece above a certain weight must be hallmarked by an independent Assay Office. This tiny stamp guarantees the purity of the silver and authenticates the maker. Each of our silver sculptures is sent to the London Assay Office, where it is tested and marked before returning to the studio for finishing — a tradition that protects both the artist and the collector.
What happens when I enquire about buying a Studio Edition?
Each bronze and silver Studio Edition is cast to order. Your enquiry form will come through to the Mark Coreth Studio office, where we will get in touch and start the ball rolling. If edition availability permits, we will add your name to an edition number and send you an invoice for a 50% deposit. On payment of this invoice, we will start the process of getting your Studio Edition cast. Once your sculpture has been cast and is ready to send, we will ask for the remaining 50% then package it up and send it.
Please be aware, from the initial casting request to the finished sculpture, this can take up to 6 - 8 weeks. We will endeavour to make this timescale as short as possible. If you have a deadline, please let us know and we will do our best to achieve this!
How is my Studio Edition delivered?
Shipping is free of charge. We will send your Studio Edition with DHL Recorded Delivery which requires a signature on your end, to ensure they arrive safely.