The work is executed by a team of highly trained professionals who take on each project in a very regimented step-by-step process based on the ancient technique called “cire perdue”, meaning literally “lost wax” in French. In brief, a plaster mold is made around an existing sculpture, then a hollow wax model is made and wax “ducts” are set in place so the metal may be poured inside, then the wax model is covered with a layer of clay that is placed in a kiln, where the wax will melt. At this crucial point, the sculpture must be treated with heated air so it doesn’t crack. One of the most exciting points in the process is when the metal is heated up to become liquid. Once the wax melts, the mold is removed from the oven and tightened with steel bands and liquid bronze is poured in the place of the melted wax. Then the cast mold is broken to reveal the bronze sculpture. FonderieTEP uses [Silicon Bronze], which yields superb results, followed by expert welding that leaves no visible marks. The same alloy is used to ensure the smooth and flawless surface. Finally, the art is worked on in a process called “ciselure” and a patina is placed on the object.

Theodoros Papdopoulos has acquired such a vast knowledge of sculpture that his lifelong passion has led him to expand into the formation of a depot of art that may be visited at the Foundry but also at his art gallery in Kolonaki named the P Gallery. With devotion and endless knowledge of sculpture, their work has expanded into the use of sculpture “designs” by well-known artists such as Philolaos, Coulentianos, Gabriella Simossi etc. These striking and recognizable forms have been incorporated into a superbly original fashion line of dresses and shoes. The Fonderie TEP is a place that shines as an example of avant-garde thinking where quality, fine art and even fashion all convene into a remarkable example of cultural appreciation.

—Joanna Papadopoulos Averoff