Bronze Memorial Sculptures for Beloved Pets: A Showcase

Published: 28th July 2024 | Author: Tanya Russell

Losing a beloved pet is one of the hardest experiences for any pet owner, as these cherished companions become an irreplaceable part of our lives.

Bronze memorial sculptures offer a timeless and deeply personal way to honour their memory, capturing the unique spirit of the animals we hold dear, and we have been approached many times to commission bespoke memorial sculptures for animals that have passed away. Whether it’s a life-sized likeness or a smaller, symbolic tribute, these sculptures provide a lasting reminder of the special bond shared with a pet and can make for a meaningful and thoughtful gift.

In this article, we’ll showcase several examples of bronze memorials I have created to commemorate beloved pets. Each sculpture reflects not only these wonderful pets, but the personality and heart that made them so special.

If you’re interested in creating a lasting tribute for your own pet or gifting one to someone you care about, visit our commissions page to learn more about the process.

5 Examples of Bronze Memorial Sculpture Commission

1. Bronze Labrador Sculpture Commission

Our life-sized Seated Labrador sculpture is a commissioned piece modelled after Harris, who was nearing the end of his life when we were approached to create the piece.

Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet him, but I was sent plenty of photos of him in a variety of poses. It’s clear he was a wonderful dog and meant a lot to his owners. I appreciated their choice of an alert pose, which captures his dignified stance and gentle eyes.

To create the commission of Harris, I sculpted him in clay and then a rubber mould was taken, with ‘keys’ placed in the rubber to ensure proper positioning. Then a shell of fibreglass was applied, to protect the mould and support the sculpture during the casting process.

2. Bronze Cat Sculpture Commission

This sitting cat sculpture was originally created as a commission to honour a beautiful long-haired cat named Pyjamas.

Although I never had the chance to meet her, as she had sadly passed away, I was able to work from some lovely photos and videos that captured her sweet personality. The statue was crafted as an anniversary gift for the client’s husband, in memory of their beloved cat.

When I create commissioned memorial sculptures, I also try to find examples from life including photographs – often hundreds – showing me how they were in life. This helps me sculpt their anatomical features. I study the way that hair, fur or skin lies over their muscles or alters their shape, and their different poses and attitudes.

3. Crossbreed Dog Sculpture Commission

This crossbreed dog statue was a commissioned piece inspired by Rocky, a handsome mixed-breed dog from the USA. The client, who had previously purchased my Lying Staffie sculpture, reached out to request a sculpture of Rocky, who lived to nearly 17 years old.

Although I never had the chance to meet Rocky in person, I worked from photographs to capture his likeness. Hearing stories about his playful nature—how he loved the squeaker in his balls and would run upstairs to drop his ball down, chasing it with enthusiasm—was heartwarming. I sculpted him with his signature ears, one up and one down, giving him that charming, inquisitive, and playful expression.

4. Bronze Golden Retriever Sculpture Commission

The Standing Golden Retriever sculpture was commissioned in memory of Eden, who her family fondly remembered in her prime. After her passing, they asked me to create a memorial capturing her alert posture, as if she were standing outdoors, surveying her surroundings. Eden is now part of a collection of statues I’ve made for this family, and I feel truly honoured that they continue to trust me with creating these meaningful tributes to their dogs.

5. Bronze Staffordshire Terrier Sculpture Commission

The Lying American Staffordshire Bull Terrier sculpture was inspired by Skye, who sadly passed away before the commission was made, so I never had the opportunity to meet her. She was a significant part of her family’s life, and her statue now rests beneath a copper tree water feature in their garden as a beautiful memorial.

How long does a memorial sculpture commission take?

The timeline for completing a memorial sculpture commission ranges from 6 to 12 months, depending on the size of the sculpture, but can be over 15 months when we are particularly busy. Whenever possible, I will aim to meet specific deadlines, especially for smaller pieces, which may be easier to complete within a tighter timeframe. The start date will depend on the season and my current workload, so we would discuss this when planning.

Many clients commission bronze memorial sculptures with a particular date in mind, so if your desired completion date is earlier than our timeline allows, please let us know.

How much does a bronze sculpture memorial commission cost?

Bronze sculpture commission prices range depending on the size of the animal you would like to memorialise, as well as whether you opt for Foundry Bronze or Bronze Resin.

For a small resin dog, prices start at £7,950 and can go up to £23,650 for a very large dog in foundry bronze. Our graphics from our dogs commission page can give you a better idea of pricing:

What is the process for bronze memorial sculptures?

I will work closely with you to develop the perfect concept for your memorial sculpture. We’ll discuss a pose that reflects your vision for the beloved pet commission and determine the size of the piece.

I will then create an armature in my studio and begin sculpting your statue in clay or wax. Once the sculpture is complete, I’ll send you photos and videos for review. You are also welcome to visit us in Mid Wales, UK, to see the work in person. I’ll make any requested adjustments, and after your approval, the sculpture will proceed to moulding and casting.

Casting is done at either a foundry or with a resin caster. For resin, a rubber mould is used to create the casting, while for foundry bronze, wax is used. With bronze, the wax model is employed to create a second, temporary ceramic mould that withstands high temperatures. The bronze is cast using this ceramic mould. In both cases, the final casting is colored with heat and/or chemicals, and then finished with a protective wax coating.

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