Bronze Casting

Learn bronze casting techniques to make your own hardware, such as oarlocks and cleats. This two-day program teaches the basics of bronze casting. We’ll begin by making small basswood cleats to be sand cast. We’ll explore the language of pattern making, undercuts, sand preparation and venting before pouring britannia metal into our sand casts to learn the forms and practice. Techniques reviewed will include: pattern-making, sand-casting, pouring Britannia metal and bronze, patina and finishing. All tools and materials will be provided.

Doug Borkman is excited to bring his popular bronze casting workshop to the Herreshoff Marine Museum. Doug is a sculptor/designer and has taught wood and metal shop practice, casting and welding for the Rhode Island School of Design Sculpture programs for 30 years. He has previously taught at Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, the Apprenticeshop, Nantucket Historical Society, and for the Bridge in Shanghai, China. He has worked on many design and sculpture projects, including for the Boston Red Sox, Fidelity investments and many private collections. Doug is also an avid sailor and actively tries to keep his art practice connected to history and sailing. More about Doug: douglasborkman.com

This two-day workshop is held on the Herreshoff Marine Museum campus in the historic HMCo. shop buildings. Tuition includes a private 45 minute tour of the Museum and N.G.H. Model Room on day two of the workshop, with a particular focus on HMCo. hardware and patterns.

This workshop is for Adults 21+ and is limited to 10 participants over two days.

Tuition: $350 (including materials + membership)
Material cost is $95 per student and is included in the registration fee. This includes the casting sand, parting talc, crucibles, britannia metal, bronze, patina chemicals and consumables.
Members receive a $50 discount to registration.

Upcoming Dates: 9am-5pm, October 24 & 25, 2026
Contact Education Director Kirk Cusic for questions: [email protected], 401-396-5834.