Family Hand Casting in London: Ideas for Parents, Babies and Siblings
A family hand casting is a way of capturing something that changes almost without you noticing, the difference in size between everyone’s hands, the way your child holds onto you, and the shape of your family at one particular moment in time.
I create family hand sculptures for parents, babies, children and siblings throughout London and the surrounding areas, usually during a relaxed appointment in your own home.
There are several different ways a family casting can be designed, from simple parent and baby holding hands to larger sculptural pieces involving the whole family.
What is a family hand casting?
Unlike a traditional framed handprint, a family hand casting is completely three dimensional.
A mould is taken directly from each person’s hand, capturing the tiny lines, creases, fingernails and individual details of the skin.
The finished casts can then be arranged together to create one sculptural piece.
For families with children of different ages, the contrast between a parent’s hand, a toddler’s hand and a tiny baby hand can be particularly beautiful.
What family hand casting designs are possible?
There is no single way a family sculpture has to look.
Some of the most popular designs I create include:
The family circle
The hands are arranged together to form a continuous circular sculpture.
This works particularly well for families of three, four or more people and creates a piece that can be viewed from every angle.
The family wave
Hands are placed together in a flowing arrangement, often beginning with the largest adult hand and moving through to the smallest child.
It creates a very natural sense of connection while allowing each individual hand to remain visible.
The family bowl
Two adult hands are positioned together to form a bowl or cradle, with the children’s hands placed within them.
This is a particularly lovely design for families with a baby or young children because the composition naturally shows the adults holding and protecting the smaller hands.
Parent and baby holding hands
Sometimes the simplest designs are the most powerful.
A baby holding a parent’s finger or hand captures the extraordinary difference in scale during those first months and creates a very intimate sculpture.
Can babies and young children be included?
Absolutely.
Family sculptures can include newborn babies, toddlers, older children, teenagers and adults.
The children do not necessarily need to stay in one complicated position together for a long time.
Depending on the design, individual hands can often be cast separately and then carefully arranged in wax before the final piece is created.
This is especially useful with babies and toddlers who understandably may not feel like cooperating with an elaborate family pose.
Do all members of the family need to be cast at the same time?
Ideally, I like to see the whole family together where possible because it allows us to experiment with the final shape and proportions.
However, it is not always essential.
Children can often be cast separately, and in some circumstances different members of the family can be cast at different appointments.
Once the wax versions have been created, I can work with them to develop the final arrangement before the piece goes to the foundry.
This also means that families do not necessarily need to know exactly which composition they want before the casting appointment.
What material is best for a family hand sculpture?
Solid bronze is the most popular choice for larger family hand castings.
It has a wonderful weight and permanence and is particularly suited to sculptural pieces that are designed to be displayed in the home for many years.
Bronze can be polished to create a brighter finish or patinated for a softer, more traditional appearance.
Nickel plated and silver plated finishes are also available for families who prefer a cooler silver colour.
For very special commissions, solid sterling silver can also be considered.
I bring samples to appointments so that you can see the finishes properly before deciding.
Can a family sculpture be created over time?
Yes, and this can be a lovely option for growing families.
For example, an older child can be cast before a new baby arrives and the newborn added later.
Because I work with wax versions of the original casts before the final metal sculpture is created, it is sometimes possible to plan the composition in stages.
This can be particularly useful during pregnancy or when family members cannot all be together for one appointment.
Where do family casting appointments take place?
I offer family hand casting appointments throughout London and the South and usually come to your home.
A home appointment gives us space and time to experiment with different hand positions without children having to sit in an unfamiliar studio.
I bring all of the casting materials and can also bring examples of different finishes and designs.
How long does a family hand casting appointment take?
For a larger family sculpture, I normally allow around 1.5 to 2 hours.
The actual moulding of each hand is relatively quick, but allowing more time means there is no pressure if a baby needs feeding, a toddler needs a break, or we want to try several possible arrangements.
Family casting should feel relaxed rather than rushed.
How much does a family hand casting cost?
Family sculptures are individually priced because the cost depends on the number and size of the hands, the final design and the material chosen.
A simple parent and baby holding hands sculpture will be priced differently from a larger piece involving two adults and several children.
If you contact me with the number and ages of the people you would like included, I can talk you through the most suitable designs and give you a clear guide price before you book.
Creating a sculpture that belongs to your family
The most successful family hand sculptures are not necessarily the most complicated.
What makes them special is the relationship between the hands.
The tiny hand resting inside a parent’s palm, the difference in size between siblings, or the way several hands naturally come together can say far more than an elaborate pose.
Every family sculpture is therefore slightly different.
If you are considering a family hand casting in London, you are very welcome to get in touch. Tell me who you would like included, the children’s ages and roughly where you are based, and I can suggest the designs that I think would work particularly well for your family.
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