From bronze debris to jewellery: The story behind Foundry Collection
Foundry Collection pieces begin as reclaimed bronze ‘splashes’ or ‘spill’, a by-product of the industrial casting process at Newcastle Foundries (est. 1890), then they are reimagined, sculpted and refined into one-of-a-kind wearable sculpture.
The origin: Newcastle Foundries (est. 1890)
Foundry Collection begins in Newcastle, at one of the city’s long-standing industrial sites. Newcastle Foundries has supplied ferrous and non-ferrous castings for generations, and the environment is defined by heat, gravity, and transformation.
Small fragments are created when molten bronze escapes during pouring, small fragments of the pour spill out and land in the sand, solidifying into irregular forms. These pieces are often treated as discard. In Foundry Collection Studio, they become the starting point.
What is bronze ‘spill’?
Bronze splashes or 'spill' are naturally formed fragments created during the industrial casting process. They’re shaped by chance, which is why they have the textures and silhouettes you can’t design in a mould.
How the pieces are made
Each fragment is curated for balance and wearability, then refined through sculpting, grinding, smoothing, and finishing. The goal is not to erase the material’s origin, but to make it wearable while keeping its organic debris character intact.
Why every piece is one-of-a-kind
Because the starting forms are created by chance, there’s no replication. Each piece is a singular object, transformed by hand in Suzanne's studio.
Where to see the work in person
Foundry Collection jewellery is stocked at Newcastle Art Gallery Shop, where you can experience the true texture and weight of the work up close.
FAQs
What is Foundry Collection made from?
Reclaimed bronze ‘splash’ or ‘spill’ fragments formed during industrial casting at Newcastle Foundries (est. 1890).
Why is every piece unique?
Because the starting forms are created by chance during casting, no two fragments begin the same.
Where is Foundry Collection stocked?
Foundry Collection is stocked at Newcastle Art Gallery Shop.