Melangell and The Hare

"One day Brochwel Ysgithrog, Prince of Powys, was out hunting. He startled a hare and with his howling hounds gave chase. They came to a thicket of brambles and thorns, Brochwel was astounded to see Melangell kneeling, deep in her prayer, with the hare calmly facing the hounds from beneath the hem of her cloak. The terrified hounds retreated, cowering in awe, refusing to attack the hare."

Bronze sculpture by Charlie Mallon.

The Inspiration

The hare was a sacred animal for the Celts, a symbol of abundance, prosperity and good fortune. Our bronze sculpture was inspired by the legend of Melangell, the patron saint of hares. Melangell was a Celtic princess who escaped an unwanted arranged marriage. She took refuge in the Pennant Valley and created a place of peace and sanctuary for animals and people in need.

The Process

Each sculpture has been created using the ancient lost wax method of bronze casting. It takes the most part of a year to bring a piece to life.
Charlie first creates the work in clay. From this, he takes a mould which is used to create a wax version of the sculpture. He adds sprues, risers and pouring points to ensure that the bronze can flow fully around the piece. Layers of molochite are built up around the wax. When a suitable depth has been achieved Charlie heats the molochite shell to melt out the wax. The now hollow shell is placed in sand with just the pouring point visible. The sand holds it in place and also provides protection in case the shell breaks during the pour. Charlie heats the bronze to around 1200 degrees Celsius in a furnace he built himself. Before the hot work begins he rehearses all the movements, ‘the dance of the pour’. The molten bronze is poured into the shell and once cooled, the shell is smashed open to reveal the bronze sculpture. 

A unique patina is developed by burying the newly cast bronze in the iron rich soil by a spa well on the farm in County Tyrone. 

Each bronze sculpture is presented in wooden box with a handmade Irish linen bag. It has its edition number discreetly stamped on the base, and the details of each purchase are written into our Owner's Register.

Limited edition of 12.  

Unboxed weight: 2.7kg

H 15cm X L 32cm X W 5cm