A few years ago we were commissioned to create a special globe base inspired by a 17th century model (pictured below) but constructed with new techniques and a current map. We were thrilled to be invited to visit our wonderful clients and see their globe in its beautiful surroundings.
It uses precision engineering to ensure that the top heavy fragile stand will stand up to the rigours of use and utilises brass feet cast in our foundry and then polished.
The pattern for these was created by our in house model maker (who is also one of our senior Globemakers). First fashioned in plasticine, then a silicone mould before making a resin cast. After further finishing, the 6 feet were cast in our foundry.
We designed and created the heavy solid wood base which was finished with gesso and layered in gold leaf which we personally sourced from Europes sole remaining hand beater who lives in Titian’s former studio in Venice (see article here). Blue milk paint was used to give a wonderful deep patina, which was then burnished and polished. The wrought iron on the base was made in a Berkshire ironworks and the mechanism (a 4 inch deep screw joint) which holds the upper part securely to the base is machined by our metal machinists who as a side business (maybe their main business!) run up engine parts for one of the current F1 teams! Fun extra fact there.
We then handcrafted the table top in our studio with our foundry casting the meridian which we then hand engraved the traditional way.
The globe itself is inspired by our “Sea Green” colouring and has added hand drawn and hand painted illustrations, bespoke cartography additions, highlighted cities, quotes in the ocean – and lots of other personal detail that we worked with the client one-on-one to draw and paint to their specifications.
The whole process took 18 months as there were so many bespoke elements that greatly differed from any of our other designs. Here is is in North Carolina in all its glory with a lovely view of the Blue Ridge Mountains (Appalachian Range). Thank you to the wonderful clients for allowing us to share the story and images. It was a delight to see.
jade@bellerbyglobemakers.com
We ship worldwide from London, England.
