This page will record the work being carried out by Frank Cocksey as he carves the Bronze Bell Sculpture for the local council. It is intended for pride of place in a new development now taking place on Barmouth Quay, and will be mounted on a large black granit block overlooking the harbour. This page will take time to download, as it is full of images. The latest work is at the end.

 

Frank Cocksey Begins Carving the Bronze Bell Stone for Barmouth Council

 

The first strikes on the stone cut through the sea-eroded surface of the marble. For the first time Frank sees what he will be working on for the next 8 months, the delicate blue veined marble from Carara.

This work has great significance for him, the town of Barmouth and a dedicated team of offshore divers.

 
Frank is carving the block for the town of Barmouth, as a monument to the life of the sea. The block came from the sea, lifted out of the Bronze Bell Wreck by the divers who found her.
He is planning a piece comprising of 3 fishermen hauling on the net.
Lokalink is planning to document the sculpture as it is created.
We will also try and piece together the story of the wreck, and how it came about that a load of Italian marble was wrecked off the coast of Dyffryn Ardudwy 400 years ago.
First Stage, The First Figure Emerges. June 1st. 2001
Working with painstaking care, removing marble in thin layers, Frank reveals the first figure.
It is the face of a man who is almost lying on this back, rope wrapped over his shoulder.
Frank discusses his ideas with Tony Iles, one of the divers who found the stone.
The molusc encrusted and penetrated outer surface will be left at the head, to give the feeling of hair.
Frank has also nearly finished a small piece carved in pure white marble, of a girl riding a dolphin.
June 12th The Second Figure Emerges
   
The second face has now been started
A view showing the group from above the stone
Removing stone in thin slivers 1 millimeter thick
Finding the marble is composed of grains that must be cut in particular directions to avoid scaling.
Tools arranged along the top of the stone
Clearing stone
October 2nd The Third Figure Emerges
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
November 7th The Complete Sculpture is nearly finished.
Most of the the rough carving has now been completed, the three figures are now clearly visible, and the rope they are all helping to haul helps to clarify the action. Frank will now spend time polishing and cleaning the piece. A bronze plack will be mounted on the side of the stone.