We recently had a commission for a special globe base inspired by a 17th century model (pictured below) but constructed with new techniques and a current map.
It uses precision engineering to ensure that the top heavy fragile stand will stand up to the rigours of use.
It 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). Fashioned in plasticine, we then take a silicone mould before making a resin cast.
After further finishing, 6 feet are cast in the foundry.
We can cast anything within reason.
A heavy solid wood base, finished with gesso and layered in gold leaf, from Europes sole remaining hand beater (see video below) who lives in Titian’s former studio in Venice, and blue milk paint to give a wonderful deep patina, which is then burnished and polished. He’s broken his thumb two times by the way!
The wrought iron is 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 plus secretive government contracts.
The table top is made in our studio with the foundry casting the meridian which is then hand engraved by our Medway engraver.
We designed and sourced new contractors to make this piece, a process taking 18 months, and the globe was then shipped to North Carolina, where it has a lovely view of the Blue Ridge Mountains (Appalachian Range)
jade@bellerbyglobemakers.com
We ship worldwide from London, England.
