LENHAM POTTERY MODELS
making high-fired semi-porcelain models since 1969
Seven steps to the Shire Horse Model: Step Seven

This is
Step Seven:
Fettling and finishing

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Back to
Step One:
armature


Step Two:
modelling

 

Step Three:
intermediate
mould-making

 

Step Four:
the rubber
model

 

Step Five:
plaster
production
mould

 

Step Six:
slip casting

 

Back to the
Introduction

 

The final result.

One finished model, coloured and satin glazed. Ceramic colours are metal oxides, mostly earth colours, iron, manganese and cobalt. This horse, once fired as bisque, was first sprayed with a thin coat of satin (transparent) glaze. The dry powder of the glaze as purchased is mixed with a small amount of glycerine to aid even covering and glaze binder which is like wall-paper paste, and enables me to handle the model. It was then sprayed (air-brushed) with dark grey on hoofs and muzzle, black on the legs and mane, and tan under the belly, all the while held in my left hand. Then it was put down onto the turntable, and a thin coat of a darker brown sprayed onto the shadows. After this it is not possible to pick up the model without leaving fingerprints, so the rest has to be done by air-brush. A lighter tan is sprayed onto the back and shoulders, finished by a rich dark red tan to emphasise the modelling. Any stray colour is brushed off fetlocks and face and the eyes hand-painted. A final coat of glaze seals the surface.
The completed commission, a team of four matched Shires.

After spraying on the glaze, the underneath of the feet are wiped clean on a sponge, holding the horse with a rod through the mouth holes and the tip of the tail so as to leave no fingerprints on the body. It is then placed in the kiln to fire for the second time.

The commission was for a matched team of four horses, all subtly different as to colour and angle of the head. Some gentle manipulation of the neck is possible when just out of the mould, but the nearside leader, back right, had the neck cut and re-assembled.

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Additional information can be found on the pages describing making a simple two-part mould and links from the side-bars on the Introduction to this sequence of pages on making the Shire Horse.

Back to the main site of Lenham Pottery Models.