A range of architectural bookends and models are available from us. The following describes the process of commissioning a new design.
We strongly suggest that a sample model is purchased allowing the nature of our work to be fully appreciated - a photograph being a very inadequate one-dimensional representation. Familiarising yourself with the qualities of weight, texture, finish and detail at first hand is made more important since there is nothing directly comparable in the market place.
Commissioning generally has two clear stages:
1. DEVELOPMENT - Normally Timothy Richards (TR) will visit you and discuss possible designs. He will listen and design around your ideas and will make suggestions based on his experience. Sketches will be produced at this first meeting and, where appropriate, a series of points considered such as size of the edition, approximate costs, etc.
A proposal would then be sent to the customer summarising what had been discussed along with an attached sketch, costing and terms of business. Pricing varies with each commission dependent upon requirements. If at this stage the customer decides that they do not wish to proceed then TR will require reimbursement to cover travelling expenses and the cost of his time at the meeting. Once a signed acceptance of the proposal has been reached and TR is in receipt of a deposit, the work can begin.
Where appropriate TR will require detailed photographs and any available plans of the building. Where possible TR will take all the photographs necessary.
2. ORIGINATION - Firstly a master needs to be built. This is a very important stage and represents the main investment of time. Alongside the production of the master is the production of the accompanying brass work (where applicable). On completion, a mould is taken from this master and the first casting is produced. This is then forwarded to the customer for their approval but will remain the property of TR. Having produced the initial casting it is very costly to change the mould as this involves modification to the master and a new mould produced. (Alterations at this stage will result in delays and will incur a revision of costs). Full payment for the origination stage will become due on completion of this prototype. Prior to production commencing agreement will be reached on the finishing of the models. Colour can be varied by the use of pigments, watercolours and wash detail.
3. BASIC FACTS and COSTS – TR makes a number of different types of model and each can be adapted to the customers’ needs. It is possible to produce a small limited edition run of models or indeed one piece. Models may vary in size between six inches high to three foot high. Costs will vary from between £3,000 to £15,000 + depending on size, complexity and the number to be made. |
