The 10gram Challenge: Sculptors Respond to a Creative Call
An innovative fundraising campaign, the “10gram Challenge,” has provided crucial support for Dora House’s restoration. Established in 2020 by Alex Davies MRSS, founder of Milwyn Foundry, the challenge was originally a pandemic-era initiative to keep sculptors creatively active during lockdown restrictions. Artists were invited to create miniature sculptures from a 10-gram wax block, highlighting the adaptability and ingenuity of sculptors under constraints. The challenge grew from 200 wax kits sent nationwide during its first run, to becoming an internationally recognised exhibit, culminating in over 40 miniatures displayed at the Thomas Dane Gallery in October 2024.
For this year’s exhibition, a mix of eminent UK-based sculptors, including Antony Gormley, Grayson Perry, and Alison Wilding, have crafted unique sculptures cast in bronze, with prices ranging from £500 to £7,500. This two-day exhibition, generously supported by Thomas Dane Gallery and companies like Darbyshire and Artelium, featured works such as Perry’s “Alan Measles Charm,” which Perry described as an “interesting, challenging and fun thing to do” due to the precise nature of the miniature medium. The profits from sales directly contribute to the “Creating a Home for Sculptors” initiative, supporting both the development of artist studios, and the preservation of the Society’s archives.
Supporting Voices from the Sculptural Community
Many contributing artists have expressed their commitment to the project. Rana Begum, whose minimalist and light-reflective sculptures often draw inspiration from traditional Islamic geometric art, noted that supporting the Society’s efforts was both “an honour” and essential for future generations of sculptors. Nick Hornby, another participant, presented a 100x reduction of Rodin’s “The Age of Bronze,” adapted into a wearable ring, blending historical artistry with modern digital precision.
Rebecca Salter, President of the Royal Academy of Arts, emphasised the Society’s critical role in promoting sculpture, sharing her excitement for the long-term impact that restoring Dora House will have on sculptors and the public alike. These testimonials underscore the collaborative effort between artists and supporters in ensuring the Society’s mission continues well into the future.
Restoration Efforts and Project Scope
The restoration of Dora House has made substantial progress over the past few years. Following the successful “Saving Dora House” campaign in 2022, which raised £1 million for critical structural repairs, this final phase focuses on rehabilitating the basement, a damp, derelict space with collapsed floorboards, deteriorating wiring, and failing plumbing. The Royal Society has engaged conservation specialists, including Purcell architects and FOCUS consultants, to manage these complex upgrades.
Upon completion, Dora House will house a fully functional artist’s flat and studio, providing a creative environment for both short- and long-term residencies. Furthermore, the basement’s transformation will introduce multi-functional spaces accessible to the local community for workshops, educational programmes, and exhibitions, aligning with the Society’s ethos of inclusivity and outreach.
References
Royal Society of Sculptors (2024) Creating a Home for Sculptors. London: Royal Society of Sculptors. [Accessed 31 October 2024].
Royal Society of Sculptors (2024) 10gram Challenge 2024. London: Royal Society of Sculptors. [Accessed 31 October 2024].
The Art Newspaper (2024) Grayson Perry and Rana Begum take the 10gram sculpture challenge. London: The Art Newspaper. [Accessed 31 October 2024].
Image Credit/s
Alan Measles, 2024 · Grayson Perry
Age of Bronze cut 100x (wearable), 2024 · Nick Hornby
No.1372, 2024 · Rana Begum
