Welcome to Mike Thompson Metal Sculpture

I love to create wildlife sculptures using vintage tools.

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My ever growing collection of these old tools allows me to select the most appropriate shapes for the piece I am making. I then cut, grind and bend them before welding them together, leaving the eye to fill in the gaps.

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Basically, this involves spot welding the metal pieces together, keeping the form as anatomically accurate as the material affords, whilst trying to keep the tools in their original form.

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I always try to showcase the tool’s origins - highlighting any cast maker's marks or place of manufacture, as well as using their bolts, nuts and handles, incorporating as much of the original tool as possible.

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Once complete, the sculpture is moved outside to allow the elements to encourage a rust patina that is then sealed and finished with a natural and pigmented wax, highlighting the tools features.

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My pieces can be displayed inside,  preserving the finish or outside, where the natural wax coating eventually weathers, creating an ever changing red-brown patina.

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I particularly enjoy the challenge of creating commissions using some tools supplied by the client, be that their own or once cherished by someone dear, thereby giving the finished sculpture a sentimental, as well as aesthetic value.

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If you would like to have a conversation about how I can create a sculpture for you, please do get in touch, so that we can discuss exactly what you're looking for - potentially incorporating some tools that you have yourself, or from someone dear to you.

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I have some of my work on display and for sale at MAKE Southwest in Bovey Tracey in Devon - www.crafts.org.uk

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Please take a look at my Gallery by clicking on the link below.

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