THE CHURCHILL PROJECT

From first inspiration to finished bronze: the making of a portrait sculpture.

The Churchill Project documents Daniel Dominguez's exploration of Winston Churchill through bronze portrait sculpture, revealing the artistic and technical process from initial research and drawings to clay modelling, bronze casting and patination.

In 2026, Dominguez was awarded the Hunters Hill Regional Art Prize for Winston Churchill in Garter Robes, a bronze portrait bust developed as part of his continuing exploration of Churchill's character and legacy.

Two new designs of Winston Churchill bronze portrait busts by Daniel Dominguez are now available, each in a limited edition of 10, alongside a smaller bronze desk companion and a monumental portrait sculpture.

See THE CHURCHILL COLLECTION below for details.

THE INSPIRATION

Countless biographies, films and podcasts have contributed to this work. The complete Reader's Digest collection of Churchill's wartime speeches on LP records was invaluable.

Represented here is Churchill addressing Parliament in May 1940. Unlike more familiar portrayals, where his face is lowered, I have raised his chin against the prevailing currents of his time, in an act of courage and defiance. This was a critical chapter in his life and in the history of Western democracy.

This portrait is not simply about capturing a resemblance, but about revealing deeper biographical insights; the facets of hope and faith that shaped the decisions of this man's life.

Rodin once said, “There is no artistic work that requires as much penetrating insight as the bust and the portrait.” Portrait sculpture is all about humanity, being in many ways the most consummate acknowledgement and celebration of personality available in the arts. There is no better subject for this than Churchill.

“I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat”.

Winston Churchill, House of Commons, 13 May 1940

THE ARMATURE

The sculptor works out the concept from the inner bones outwards.

First stage: Research and Design

The collection of reference images, creation of preliminary drawings and formulation of the sculptural design.

Second stage: Constructing the Armature

The design is enlarged to full scale, and the armature is constructed — the internal framework that supports the clay and establishes the underlying structure of the sculpture. These are the bones of the process.

STAGES 1 & 2: CHURCHILL, THE ARMATURE

THE CLAY MODELLING

Third stage: Establishing Form and Proportion

Clay is added to the armature. Initially, this should be approached as an extension of the armature itself, concentrating on the overall size, volume and proportions of the portrait.

Fourth stage: Modelling the Clay

This is where the fun begins.

STAGES 3 & 4: CHURCHILL, THE CLAY MODELLING

THE BRONZE CASTING

Fifth stage: Making the Mould

Following the completion of the clay modelling, a rubber mould is taken from which a wax casting is made.

Sixth stage: Working the Wax

This is an important opportunity to lean in with the modelling tools and carve out more expressive features that were difficult to achieve in the clay.

Seventh stage: The Lost-Wax Process

A ceramic mould is formed around the wax. This mould is then fired in a kiln, allowing the wax to melt and drain away, leaving a cavity into which the bronze will be poured. This is known as the lost-wax casting process.

Eighth stage: Pouring the Bronze

Bronze is heated in a crucible (yes, a CRUCIBLE!) until molten, then poured into the fired ceramic moulds, which are supported in a sand-filled casting box.

STAGES 5 TO 8: CHURCHILL, THE BRONZE CASTING

THE FINISHING AND PATINA

Ninth stage: Finishing the Bronze

The bronze is worked by grinding, filing and polishing the metal, refining the surface and preparing it for the final patina.

Tenth stage: Patination

The application of the patina, followed by the final waxing and polishing of the bronze.

STAGES 9 & 10: CHURCHILL, THE FINISHING AND PATINA

THE CHURCHILL COLLECTION

A selection of bronze portrait sculptures and drawings of Winston Churchill by Sydney sculptor Daniel Dominguez. The collection includes larger portrait busts, smaller bronze editions and studies of Churchill as a young man.

Selected works are available for purchase or by enquiry. For further information about individual sculptures, editions and prices, please contact Daniel Dominguez.

Interested in commissioning a bronze portrait? Explore the COMMISSIONS page.

Discover more of Daniel Dominguez's work in the PORTRAIT SCULPTURE gallery.