How do I clean a spelter statue?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry cloth to remove loose particles. Avoid using water, chemical solvents, or abrasive metal polishes, as these can strip away the original cold-painted finish or patination.

Are spelter statues heavy?

Spelter itself is lighter than bronze, but many figures are mounted on substantial bases of marble or onyx. This combination gives the overall piece a reassuring weight whilst keeping the cast figure relatively light.

How can I tell spelter from bronze?

Spelter is softer and more brittle than bronze, and a discreet test beneath the base will reveal a silvery-grey metal rather than the reddish-brown of copper alloys. Most spelter pieces also rely on surface patinas or paint to achieve their colour, whereas bronze develops its patina through oxidation.

Why are some figures attached to stone bases?

Stone bases made of marble, onyx, or alabaster provide necessary physical counterweights for the softer metal figures. During the Art Deco period, contrasting coloured stones also enhanced the modern aesthetic of the sculpture.