Lewes · East Sussex
Animals, remembered in bronze & clay
Private commissions of beloved animals — modelled by hand in the studio, fired in the kiln or cast at the foundry, and made to last for generations.
Hare — ceramic, mounted on oak
Private Commissions
A portrait of your animal, sculpted by hand
From my studio in the heart of Lewes, I take commissions of beloved pets and work closely with you at every stage to create a lasting sculpture.
Each piece begins with a series of photographs — and wherever possible, a visit to meet your animal in person. Through conversation we settle the pose, the scale and those particular characteristics that make them who they are, so nothing of their personality is lost.
- MaterialsCeramic, bronze resin or foundry bronze
- ScaleFrom miniature studies to life size — made to any size of your preference
- InvolvementStudio visits and consultations throughout, from first maquette to final patina
- ClientsPrivate collectors, interior designers and commercial commissions
Materials & The Kiln
From photograph to permanence
Every sculpture is modelled first in clay. From there, it can take on one of several final forms — each with its own character, finish and setting.
I
Meeting & photographs
We begin with a series of photographs from every angle — and, where possible, a visit to meet your animal and observe their character first-hand.
II
Modelling in clay
The sculpture is built by hand in clay, from initial maquettes to the full piece. You're invited to the studio to see progress and give your views as the likeness takes shape.
III
Kiln or foundry
Ceramic works are fired in the kiln; bronzes travel to the foundry in Kent to be cast. Either way, the clay original becomes something permanent.
IV
Glaze & patina
Ceramics receive a diverse range of glazes and oxides; bronzes are finished in a patina chosen with you — the final decision that completes the piece.
Ceramic
Fired stoneware allowing a rich array of glazes and oxides — each piece unique, with colour and surface impossible to repeat.
Bronze resin
A durable cold-cast option suitable for outdoor placement, offering the look of bronze at a more accessible price.
Foundry bronze
Exceptionally sturdy and resilient in any setting. Cast at the foundry from the clay original — a sculpture measured in lifetimes.
"Susie completely captured not only the appearance but also the spirit of our Maisie." — Pam & Patrick Fleming
The Gallery
Selected works & commissions
A selection of private commissions and original works. Pieces marked available can be purchased directly or through partner galleries in Sussex, Hampshire and London.
Featured Work
Hero
A cold cast bronze horse's head mounted on black granite — a limited edition of nine, currently showing at Atherton Green Art Gallery, Hampshire.
- Medium
- Cold cast bronze on black granite
- Dimensions
- H60 × W70 × D20 cm
- Edition
- 2 of 9
- Gallery
- Atherton Green Art, Hampshire
- Price
- £4,250
Testimonials
In their owners' words
"Hector was immortalised into bronze, and as the sculpture was hollow I decided that some of his ashes would be put inside, when the time came. Susie carefully placed them inside the bronze and sealed the base. The whole process — finding Susie, inviting her over to meet Hector, and her creating a bronze statue of him, with his ashes inside — has been wonderful."
Kay Hallard
Brighton — bronze memorial of Hector, aged 17
"On delivery we could not believe how beautiful and lifelike our new Jess looked; we were stunned. The whole process was very inclusive — we can unreservedly commend her to other potential commissioners."
Mike & Kate S
Bronze ⅔ life size Labradoodle
"Black dogs are not easy to see in photos, yet Susie completely captured not only the appearance but also the spirit of our Maisie. The result was absolutely wonderful and will always be treasured."
Pam & Patrick Fleming
East Sussex — bronze memorial of Maisie
"It is a wonderful likeness — Susie has really captured his pose as he sits with one leg slightly bent and one sticking out. It was a great surprise on Christmas Day for my husband."
Amy Bell
Hamsey, East Sussex — miniature of Nelson
The Artist
Susie Hartley
Figurative sculpture has been my passion since graduating from Canterbury College of Art thirty years ago.
On leaving college in the late 1980s I continued to work figuratively in London, taking private sculpture commissions. In the mid-1990s I moved to Lewes, East Sussex, where I made props for stage productions at Glyndebourne Opera House before teaching Art & Design at a sixth form college in the town.
Recent ceramic works explore colour through a range of oxides and glazes. I work for both private and commercial clients, including interior designers, and a selection of work can be purchased directly or through galleries in Sussex, Hampshire and London.
30+
Years sculpting
Canterbury
College of Art
Glyndebourne
Opera House
Begin a Commission
Every commission begins with a conversation
Send a few photographs of your animal, or simply get in touch to talk through what you have in mind — material, scale and setting. I'll guide you through the rest.