Art-work
This term is usually employed to moulding fine-art work, and comprises all castings moulded from models prepared by the sculptor or modeller. Such castings in the past have invariably been cast in bronze and kindred alloys, but very much of that which enters into both interior and exterior decoration is now produced in cast iron. The latter class of castings would prevail more extensively, if the moulders with skill sufficient to produce it were more numerous. The great dearth of such artists can only be relieved by improving the education of our youth, who by all means should be encouraged to cultivate a taste for the fine arts, as well as qualify themselves for its manipulation in the foundry, in institutes conducted for the special benefit of apprentices in all branches of the metal industries. See TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR THE MOULDER; MODELLING; STATUE-FOUNDING.