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Custom Sculpture and Fountains
SRB10126 Bronze Bear riding Tricycle Sculpture exclusively designed and produced by Metropolitan Galleries Inc
Metropolitan Galleries has spent the last thirty plus years developing and sourcing the finest of bronze statuary and bronze fountains. Each year we invest in designing and developing our own creations and this bronze bear riding tricycle made its debut in mid-August 2022. Created from the traditional method of lost wax bronze casting, a time-consuming and labor-intensive process consisting of twenty-eight steps to complete the final sculpture. This is one of our favorite bronze sculptures contributed to the Metropolitan Galleries product line. A happy bear paddling on his tricycle equipped with a basket on the front which can be suitable as a small planter for succulents or flowers.
Lenny Peters Foundation Sculpture by Metropolitan Galleries Inc
Having a vision is one thing, but to bring that vision into reality and help people around the globe takes great diligence and patience. For Lenny Peters Foundation, this custom bronze sculpture equipped with a stark white epoxy patina of a hand holding the earth is the finishing garnish to decades of enthusiasm and hard work.
Metropolitan Galleries was approached by Freeman Kennett Architects about the possibility of developing such a sculpture to incorporate into the building’s modern design. Of course, we jumped at the opportunity to be a part of such a fun project. One of the things that makes us unique is that we relate to our client’s passion and vision and grow just as attached to the project as they are.
The Architects submitted detailed renderings of the sculpture and we got to work. Metropolitan Galleries has spent the last 30 years working very closely with some of the best sculpture foundries in the industry. Fairly quickly, the project was off the ground and our artisans were carving the general shape of the sculpture from a clay-wax compound. Sculpture is one of the most painstaking executions of art to accomplish. It can take several weeks just to get the scale and shape accurate before the sculpting details can take place, and this is still part of the very first step to creating a bronze sculpture. Once the details of the clay sculpture are finalized and ready to proceed to the next step, rubber moulds of the clay sculpture are made, capturing every fine detail for casting. Now the casting is where the excitement comes in, liquid molten bronze is poured carefully into the rubber moulds and allowed to cure. After all of this, we are still far from the finished sculpture. Keep in mind this article gives a very general explanation on the Lost Wax Bronze Casting process. The process itself takes over two dozen steps to execute and can take eight to twelve weeks to complete.
Upon the final steps of casting and cleaning up the sections for assembly, the bronze sculpture starts to come to life as the sections are artfully and seamlessly brought together. Most bronze sculptures are finished with a chemical or fire-applied patina. Lenny Peters Foundation colors are white and blue, and the organization desired a stark white sculpture with silver lettering. This of course was easily done with immaculate perfection.
This project took nearly a year to complete from the starting point to installation. All in all, we are grateful to have been a part of such an exciting project for our neighbors in High Point, North Carolina. If you have questions or would like to explore the possibility of developing a custom sculpture, reach out to us at custom@metrogal.com or 1.800.929.1681
Metropolitan Galleries was approached by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) to design and develop a walking black bear sculpture to be placed within a facility located at the North Carolina and Tennessee border.
Our team began development of a clay mold of a life-size walking black bear sculpture, and upon revisions and completion of the mold sculpture, the process of lost wax bronze casting began. Upon Blazer’s completion, he was given a deep chestnut brown fire-applied patina. Not only is Blazer a truly unique and special bear, he has his name carved on to his left rear leg.
Metropolitan Galleries has spend the last few decades developing and sourcing the finest in custom bronze sculptures such as Blazer the Bear and other hand-crafted sculptures in cast bronze and carved marble. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to create something so beautiful for our home state of North Carolina.
Las Vegas is one of our favorite places to plan an escape to. The energy, bright lights, casinos and lounges, whats not to love?! Metropolitan Galleries was approached by Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS), who is famously known for their eclectic interior design style, especially within the new Mayfair Supper Club located inside the Bellagio Resort. The idea was to use two of our classic Bronze Twin Merboy Sculpture Torchiere Floor Lamps on each side of the Mayfair Supper Club.
Since the original style of the lamps were developed in the early 2000’s by our late founder Steven Bennett, the molds were too dilapidated to cast new sculptures. We got to work on redeveloping the second generation of the Cast Bronze Twin Merboy Torchieres for MBDS to use in their Mayfair Supper Club design project. The project took around ten weeks to complete, from carving the new molds in clay and wax, to the casting, assembly and patina.
Needless to say, the overall design of the groovy new Supper Club is unsurpassed and chic. These Bronze Merboy Torchieres add the perfect finishing touch in this incredible space.
Looking to develop a custom bronze sculpture? We’re the experts with nearly 30 years of experience designing and developing custom masterpieces that represent ones unique idea and vision. Send us an e-mail to custom@metrogal.com or reach out to us at 1.800.929.1681 to get started.
Metropolitan Galleries was approached by a local design firm in Raleigh, North Carolina to develop a carved marble pavilion for placement at a luxury residence. Our Marble Gazebo is a stunning work of architecture that completes this spacious back yard by providing a seating area and beautiful focal point. Marble gazebo pavilions really strike up the old world charm of a ‘fairy tale‘ garden with their octagonal design and hand carved details. Metropolitan Galleries offers a diverse selection of carved marble and wrought iron gazebos, crafted with amazing quality and details. We work with our client on the initial concept on developing a gazebo structure and gather a selection of styles and colors available that fit any design scheme.
The marble gazebo pavilion in the photos above are from an installation we completed for a client in Raleigh, North Carolina. Our team at Metropolitan Galleries completed the delivery and assembly of the gazebo. This particular model of marble gazebo pavilion features sharp, clean lines with elegant floral details on the tops of the columns. Resting on the top of this gazebo pavilion is a hand crafted, wrought iron dome. The wrought iron domes really make these gazebos pop and add luxury character. For more than twenty four years, we have excelled to complete numerous custom sculpture and structure development projects. Check out the ‘Boldt Castle Marble Tier Fountain and Lady Four Seasons Sculptures‘ project we completed. For more information on our marble gazebo pavilions, reach out to us at 1-800-929-1681.
Metropolitan Galleries was approached by a client seeking to develop a large tiered fountain in the center area of their circular driveway for their large estate in Tennessee. Our talented engineer facilitated the initial design, groundbreaking and installation of this three tiered fountain carved in masha white marble.
Metropolitan Galleries specializes in the design, development and installation of elaborate marble and travertine fountains. Our team of engineers and contractors worked to clear and level the ground, assemble and seal the fountain basin, installed the fountain section by section, and lay travertine tiles inside the fountain basin.
With the largest variety of marble, stone and bronze fountains, Metropolitan Galleries can bring any dream fountain idea to a reality. For more information on our fountain installation services, please reach out to us at custom@metrogal.com or 1-800-929-1681.
Metropolitan Galleries was approached by the Petty Family Foundation to design and develop a custom hummingbirds fountain for Lynda Petty’s Memorial Garden. Our long-time portraiture artist Dianne Ellis sketched the fountain concept drawing for presentation and approval by the Foundation. The completed drawings were then used to cave the clay model of the fountain.
Once the clay model of the fountain has been completed, the rubber molds are developed to begin creating the fountain through the ancient and traditional method of lost wax bronze casting.
After casting of the fountain parts, assembly and fine tuning details, a patina is fire-applied to the surface to give the fountain it’s luxurious finish color. The top finial with the flower and hummingbirds was painted by hand.
To inquire about your dream fountain or sculpture concept, reach out to us at custom@metrogal.com or 1.800.929.1681
Metropolitan Galleries was approached by a property development group to create an assortment of ornamental wrought iron railings for placement inside and outside of a large mansion in Maryland. More information about this project will be available soon.
In October of 2004, the most charming lady, Mrs. Phyllis Madonna, entered the Metropolitan Galleries showroom inside Suites at Market Square, with her assistant Cheri Humphries. Phyllis was mesmerized by our large cupid torchiere lampposts and she tearfully told me she had lost her husband, Mr. Alex Madonna this past April. She told me both her and Mr. Madonna love and adore anything with angelic baby cupids, and that is the theme of their hotel in San Luis Obispo, California. She felt this was a sign and immediately asked me if we would create a sculpture of her late husband atop his beloved horse Pebbles.
Our long-time artist, Diane Ellis, created multiple renderings of Mr. Madonna and Pebbles. Mrs. Madonna provided us with clothes, including his hat and belt buckle, for accuracy. Once the renderings were completed, the sculpting of the sculpture mold began. More information on developing a custom bronze sculpture is available in the FAQ section of our website.
From Mr. Madonna’s Obituary
Alex Madonna, whose highway construction, cattle ranches, philanthropy and world-famous Madonna Inn made him a legendary figure on the Central Coast. Madonna, the grandson of Swiss immigrants, befriended business colleagues, politicians, educators, employees and even actor John Wayne. He was a self-made man who loomed large in the public’s consciousness. His easy sense of humor, fierce independence and, at times, dogged stubbornness further distinguished him. He influenced hundreds of people and gave millions of dollars away quietly. Besides the inn, his empire consisted of the Froom Ranch property where San Luis Obispo’s Home Depot is located, Broadway Plaza shopping center in Santa Maria, and several thousand acres of property in San Luis Obispo County, including about 2,000 acres surrounding San Luis Mountain. He also owned cattle and horse ranches around California and Oregon. Among ranchers, Madonna was often referred to as “the host from the coast.” Madonna’s construction firm built or repaved most of Highway 101 from Salinas to south of Buellton, as well as about 70 miles of Highway 46 and Highway 41 from Cholame to Fresno. As well, Madonna had a hand in resurfacing much of Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Carmel. The inn itself was a major achievement. Famous for its pink decor, themed rooms, and whimsical cupid theme throughout.
As most of us know, time on this earth is limited. When we lose someone special, the only thing we can do is put one foot in front of the other and reminisce the memories. For one of our Kansas clients, Norma Durnil, who lost her beloved husband Dr. William Durnil, decided to take the step in creating something beautiful in the absence of Dr. Durnil at one of his favorite places. Norma approached Metropolitan Galleries about developing a bronze statue of a kneeling Indian with an eagle on his raised arm to be placed in front of the Derby Library within the center of a roundabout.
“Bill loved the library and thought it was a very important learning tool, so the memorial is very appropriate” said Norma from the newspaper article printed on November 11th 2009. Sculpture is a traditional and iconic way to memorialize someone by illustrating that something special and beautiful can be brought into existence in the absence of someone that brought an abundance of talent to this world.