Gresley statue – the head
I have studied all the photos available of Sir Nigel – at different ages – and know that I want a likeness of him in his late 50s/early 60s. This is when he was Chief…
Articles with Sir Nigel Gresley
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Gresley sculpture clay 
Gresley statue, adding the shoes Gresley statue – sculpting the clothing
Having spent time getting the anatomy of the figure right, it’s time to clothe Sir Nigel. It may seem an odd process, but it really works. If the anatomy isn’t right, the final clothed sculpture…
Clay Gresley sculpture with model Barry McGerr Gresley statue – working with the model
In order to sculpt a convincing figure of Sir Nigel, I need a life model. Like Rodin, I use the traditional technique of sculpting the figure unclothed first, before sculpting the clothes. Barry McGerr was…
Feet armature for the Gresley statue Gresley statue – finishing the armature
Now it’s up to me to finish off the armature. The main structure is complete. But I want to double-check all the measurements before I add anything more. I make some minor adjustments to the…
The spine of the Gresley armature Gresley statue – making the main armature
What’s a sculptor’s worst nightmare? Her beautifully-sculpted figure drooping under the weight of the clay or even crashing to the floor around her. Whilst I have built-in a decent amount of time to sculpt Sir…
Scaling-up drawings for the Gresley statue Gresley statue – scaling-up
It’s one thing sculpting a 36cm tall figure. It’s quite another thing to sculpt a 7ft 5in figure. So how do you scale it up? Some sculptors harness digital technology and have their maquette scaled-up…
Hazel Reeves' studio Gresley statue….and we’re off!
The contract is signed. The commission is a reality. Now I have to sculpt the 7ft 5in sculpture of Sir Nigel Gresley in clay. Gulp. My permanent studio is far too small and is on…
Sir Nigel Gresley statue
Sir Nigel Gresley statue In 2015 I was commissioned to sculpt a bronze statue of Sir Nigel Gresley for King’s Cross Station, by the Gresley Society Trust. Sir Nigel, the eminent railway engineer (1876-1941), designed…
Bronze Gresley maquette - photo by Andy Fallon Sir Nigel Gresley maquette
Sir Nigel Gresley maquette In 2014 I was commissioned to sculpt three maquettes (or small models) to help make the final decision on the pose for an over-life size sculpture of Sir Nigel Gresley, the…
Casting the Gresley Maquette
The bronze pour has been a success and the follow-up metalwork has been done by the foundry. I enjoy the drive up to Bronze Age, to check the metalwork before the patination (or colouring) begins.…
The Gresley maquette – wax stage
The clay maquette of Sir Nigel Gresley and the Mallard arrived safely in the Docklands at Bronze Age Sculpture Casting Foundry. Their team made the two moulds – one for the figure and one for…
Final clay Gresley maquette Finally, here is the clay maquette
Members of the Sculpture Group of the Gresley Society Trust came to my studios in Billingshurst to sign-off on this clay before it went to the foundry. I was delighted with their delight! It is…