Alternative Foundry Practices Collaborative Research Events

Alternative Foundry Practices 2025
Edinburgh Sculpture Workshop (ESW)

ESW is excited to announce Alternative Foundry Practices, a collaborative research project focused on integrating a new waste oil furnace into our facilities. This initiative explores progressive, environmentally-conscious foundry methods in contemporary sculpture, culminating in a series of public events from Wednesday 27 – Friday 29 August 2025.

At ESW, we support sculpture in its broadest sense—across disciplines, materials, and technologies. As part of our commitment to sustainable practices, we’re exploring innovative alternatives in artist-led metal casting processes, including fuel sources and mould-making techniques.

Project Overview

Over the course of 2025, our technical team and collaborating artists are engaging in hands-on experimentation and research, connecting with an international network of forward-thinking artists and technicians who are pushing boundaries in metal casting.

This work will culminate in a public-facing programme showcasing our new waste cooking oil-fueled furnace, developed in partnership with Stephen Coles and Necole Schmitz of Coles Castings (Dorset, England).
www.colescastings.com

Project Timeline

 

Partner Development Week:
18 – 25 August 2025
Intensive period of collaborative research and making at ESW.

Public Programme:
27 – 29 August 2025
Location: Courtyard, Covered Yard, and Research Space, ESW
Time: 2:00 – 5:00pm daily

Public Events Schedule

Wednesday 27 August

  • Live demonstrations of mould-making techniques and materials
  • Waste oil furnace setup on display
  • Artist Talk: Necole Schmitz
  • Presentation & Blueprint Launch: Stephen Coles on Waste Oil Furnace Design
  • Guided tour of ESW facilities & Membership Q&A

 

Thursday 28 August – Public Pour Day

  • Witness 200kg of aluminium, bronze, and iron poured into moulds
  • Live commentary and process explanations by hosting team
  • Some de-moulding may take place toward the end of the session

 

Friday 29 August

  • Tour of the poured works with artists Stephen Murray and Uist Corrigan
  • Explore the de-moulding process and early stages of finishing
  • Celebratory Drinks in the Courtyard
  • Evening pizza from Holy Crust @ MILK Café (pre-booking required)

Food & Seating

Events take place outdoors. Some seating provided.
MILK Café will serve food and drinks throughout.
Holy Crust Pizza available Friday evening.

This programme is part of ESW’s commitment to artist-led innovation and environmentally progressive practice. Join us to learn, connect, and witness cutting-edge work in alternative foundry methods.