How to Locate the right sculptor

In addition to the sculptors represented on our On-line Gallery,
the RBS Resource Centre on site at Old Brompton Road holds a digital image bank of 6000+ visuals and CV details of the work of a large number of contemporary sculptors working in a huge range of styles and media.

Arranged in category (ie. Abstract, Installation, Environment & Land Art, Conceptual, Portraiture, Figurative, Sound etc) the slide library is an easy way for visiting clients to locate the style, media and ultimately the sculptor, to produce the work they are looking for.

The RBS Resource Centre is a free service for clients to use and is open 10am to 5pm Monday to Friday. To make an appointment to use the Resource Centre: please call +44 (0)20 7373 5554 or click here to email

No commission is added.

Jilly Sutton ARBS, 'Elements'

How to approach a sculptor

Once you have located the right sculptor, or sculptors, the RBS can put you directly in touch to discuss your ideas and requirements.

Before approaching a sculptor, it is a good idea to have a clear idea of the following:

Do you have a specific site, if so what, if any are its restrictions etc?

Does the required work have a specific function / purpose?

Do you have a budget in mind?

Diane Maclean FRBS, 'River (detail)'
floor light installation, 2000

Commissioning Sculpture

Each Sculpture commission is unique. All need to balance the client's need for the work to achieve their ambitions with the sculptors' need to be free to create and to be properly paid for their work.

The recommended practice is designed, primarily with Public Art commissions in mind, to assist both parties to manage the commission process successfully.

It is intended to be customised, by agreement between the parties, to suit the particular requirements of each individual commission. Private commissions are usually handled less formally and often skip stages 2 and 3.

Stage 1 Sculpture Brief

This is a critical stage in any commission, when the key components (aspirations, budget, timescale and approach) are planned. It is particularly important for Public Art commissions but all clients need to be clear about their:

- requirements of the work and their aspirations for it
- preliminary budgets for the commission, including an allowance for VAT
- preliminary schedule and timetable, including any deadlines
- views about the selection procedure, including (where appropriate) the composition of a jury and/or an advisory group


Clients commissioning public art work will then need to finalise a design brief for the sculpture. Specialist art consultancy advice can be useful for large/complex projects.

Mark Richards ARBS, 'Eric Cantana'
GRP & pigment, life-size, 1997

Stage 2 Long List

Expressions of interest in the commission can be sought from a number of sculptors by:


- Publishing the brief in appropriate journals and websites and inviting expressions of interest from any sculptor (i.e. open competition)
- Drawing up a list of selected sculptors to give the sculpture brief to and inviting them to express an interest (i.e. closed competition)


Sculptors expressing an interest in a commission can be asked to provide free of charge for the first stage selection the following:

- Relevant images of previous projects
- CV
- Statement about their practice or the commission

A decision can then be made on a shortlist, either by the appointed jury or by the client and their advisor (if any).


As part of its aim to assist the public, the RBS will either publish summary sculpture briefs in its weekly email bulletin to its members or recommend up to 10 sculptors for a commission free of charge.

Dawn Rowland FRBS, 'Letting Go'
Indiana Limestone, 48 x 27 x 16", 1996

Stage 3 Shortlist

Site visits should be arranged for short listed artists, or if more suitable, architect's plans can be provided. Each of the selected sculptors should be paid a minimum of £500 to provide:

- Concept drawing(s) or photo montage
- Scale drawing
- Concept statement
- Detailed budget for their concept
- An indication of timescale and fabrication processes for the proposal
- An indication of any special maintenance requirements

Johannes von Stumm FRBS, 'Interlacing'
glass, granite & bronze

Stage 4 Sculptor & Sculpture Selection

The short listed proposals should be reviewed, either by the appointed jury or by the client and/or their advisor and the successful candidate selected.

With large scale or complex projects, it is suggested that the selected sculptor be paid a minimum of £1,000 to produce:

- A maquette or scale model
- Detailed scale drawings including foundation designs
- Information and drawings for planning applications (if necessary)

Any engineering consultation fees should be paid by the client at this stage and refunded by the artist from the final budget.

Wendy Taylor CBE FRBS, 'Sentinel'
Brick, 240 x 156 x 92cm

Stage 5 Commission Agreements

Before the signature of the contracts, the sculptor and the client will need to have:

- Reviewed the final tender documentation from the sculptor
- Agreed a detailed programme & specification, including transportation, and any installation arrangements if they are to be included in the commissioned brief
- Agreed staged payments e.g. 50% up front, 40% after a progress inspection and 10% on completion of the installation
- Prepared and approved the contracts for signature by sculptors and client

Robert Erskine FRBS, 'White Rhythm',
Wrought and welded steel, 12.5 x 35ft, 1999

Stage 6 Manufacture, Installation & Unveiling

During the fabrication period clients and sculptors are recommended to:

- Review the progress of the manufacture, programme and budget
- Resolve any modification requests
- Finalise the installation arrangements
- Discuss the requirements of any publicity programme & unveiling events

The sculptor is responsible for work until it is completed and delivered to the client.

If it is to be publicly displayed, the name of the sculptor, title of the work (if any) and date should be clearly acknowledged on or nearby the work.

Maintenance of the sculpture is the responsibility of the client, subject to advice and input from the sculptor. No modifications should be made without the sculptor's consent.

Enjoy the work!

Thomas Ostenberg ARBS, 'A Question of Perspective 1'
Bronze 51 x 56 x 21"

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